“Ghostly Labor: A Dance Film” explores the history of labor in the US–Mexico borderlands through Tap Dance, Mexican Zapateado, Son Jarocho, Afro Caribbean movement, and live music. Co-directed by John Jota Leaños and Vanessa Sanchez, this work brings together polyrhythmic movement and an original score to look at the (ongoing) years of systemic exploitation of labor while highlighting the power and joy of collective resistance. Based on farmworker interviews in California, this work honors the sacred hands that feed us and was filmed on Avila Garcia Farms with support from Ayudando Latinos a Soñar (ALAS), a non-profit advocacy organization for farmworkers in Half Moon Bay, CA. A full-length dance theater production of Ghostly Labor will premiere in November 2023 at Brava Theater. To inquire about screening the film, please contact LaMezclainfo@gmail.com A Dance Film by John Jota Leaños and Vanessa Sanchez Choreography by Vanessa Sanchez Performed by La Mezcla Performers: Vanessa Sanchez, Sandy Vazquez, Kirsten Millan, Diana Aburto, Micah Sallid, Javier Navarrette, Pedro Gomez, Elena de Troya, Tanya Benítez, Sharon Benítez Produced by Harry Gregory & Sharon Benítez Edited by John Jota Leaños & Harry Gregory Director of Photography: Elie M. Khadra Sound Engineer: Greg Landau Song “El Camotal: Manos Que Nos Dan”- Letras by Laura Rebolloso, Arrangement by Javier Navarrette and Vanessa Sanchez Gimbal Operator: Anthony Lew 1st Assistant Camera: Yuito Kimura Audio Engineer: Jim Choi Colorist: Robert Arnold Costumes by Vanessa Sanchez Production Assistant: Joseline Granados Interviewees: Rocio Avila Garcia, Serafín Avila Garcia, Don Ramon Sonoqui Martínez, Antonio Castro Ghostly Labor is dedicated to the essential work and unseen labor of farmworkers. We honor your effort, skill, and perseverance in our everyday lives. Special Thank you to our project partners Brava! For Women in the Arts and ALAS - Ayudando Latinos a Soñar. The project was filmed on Avila Garcia Farms with support from ALAS, a non-profit advocacy organization for farmworkers in Half Moon Bay, CA. A full-length dance theater production of Ghostly Labor will premiere in 2023. Made possible through the generous support of these organizations San Francisco Arts Commission Center for Cultural Innovation Yerba Buena Gardens Festival The Kenneth Rainin Foundation National Performance Network The Hewlett Foundation, Dancers’ Group, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and California Arts Council
