Keeper of the Fire

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

Preview link available upon request. Contact s[email protected] for more information

A Film by David L. Brown, Louis F. Dematteis, and Raymond Telles

28 minutes

Scene Selection • Closed Captioned

Grades 6 - Adult

Item #: KOF-2091

Explores the roles activist writers and poets play in the fight for a just and equitable world via author/poet Alejandro Murguia

Starting at $79

Licensing Options

K-12 Classroom, Public Libraries: DVD - $79 K-12 Classroom, Public Libraries DVD + Digital File - $129 Colleges & Institutions: DVD - $250 Colleges: DVD with Digital Site License - $350 K-12 School District pricing available. Please inquire at [email protected] Community Screenings: Please Complete 'Host a Screening' Form found on top menu bar

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Reviews and Festivals

"Keeper of the Fire is packed with details of the writer and activist's life, while also depicting the Mission District as a flash point, delving into current pressures on the neighborhood and touching on recent Latin American history and the Chicano movement."

— Pam Grady, San Francisco Chronicle

"Sprinkles in vintage images to illustrate all phases of Murguía's life. But best of all are the shared memories of the Bay Area Beat poets and the '70s Mission Arts scene. That lights up Keeper of the Fire."

— Randy Myers, Bay City News

"Keeper sprinkles in vintage images to illustrate all phases of Murguía's. But best of all, besides the cute-as-could-be childhood photos, are the shared memories of the Bay Area poets and '70s Mission arts scene."

— Bay City News Foundation

"The film offers snippets from such Murguía works as "Silicon City" and "Boy on a Wooden Horse". Read in Murguía's smooth, resonant voice, the listener feels as if they're in the presence of truth being uttered... of being exposed to honest verbal artistry."

— Peter Wong, Beyond Chron: The Voice of the Rest

WINNER

Denver Independent Film Festival, Best Documentary Short

OFFICIAL SELECTION

Maui Film Festival

DocUtah

DC Independent Film Festival

San Francisco Documentary Film Festival

San Francisco Latino Film Festival

Morelia International Film Festival

Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival

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Keeper of the Fire

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Keeper of the Fire

Select License (limited Public Performance Rights included)

Reviews and Festivals

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related subjects

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