Keeper of the Fire explores the life and work of acclaimed activist poet, Alejandro Murguía, a writer passionately involved with socio-political struggles of his times. A lifelong fighter for social justice, Murguía has championed cultural and educational programs nationally and internationally and campaigned against rampant gentrification, all the while winning two American Book Awards and serving as the first Latino Poet Laureate of San Francisco.
The film documents Murguía's many contributions to literature as a writer and publisher. His journey takes him to the halls of San Francisco State University, where he teaches in the nation's first Ethnic Studies program; to City Hall, where he celebrates his term as San Francisco's first Latino Poet Laureate; and to Nicaragua where he reminisces with the renowned Sandinista poet, Ernesto Cardenal, at an international poetry festival. Having travelled to Nicaragua to aid the Sandinista revolution, Murguía carries forward the tradition of revolutionary Spanish-speaking writers, including Federico Garcia Lorca, Pablo Neruda, and Roque Dalton.
Murguía's body of work reflects the dual identities experienced by those living between cultures, and simultaneously evokes bygone eras while also speaking to the present moment. He continues to utilize his poetry as an incisive political attack to this day, challenging the drastic changes seen in San Francisco as it becomes "Silicon City." Keeper of the Fire is a celebration of a vanguard poet and the need for the arts within social movements and communities.
FILMMAKERS' STATEMENT: "[We] have been tremendously inspired by the life and work of Alejandro Murguia, his lifelong passion for activism for social justice, and his powerful poetry and prose. At this historical moment in our nation, social justice activism has once again become a major force for change. As millions demonstrate for social and racial justice nationwide, Murguia stands out as an inspiring role model for his community, his students, and a broad audience. He reminds us that words do matter, but so do our actions in a time when we should strive to treat others with dignity, respect, kindness, and compassion."— David L Brown and Louis F. Dematteis
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