The Great American Lowrider Tradition

The California Museum will host the first Northern California screening of the award-winning documentary “The Great Lowrider Tradition” as part of its Fall programming celebrating the rich history, artistry, and profound impact of lowrider culture in California.

A one-man production by high school custodian and self-taught director Martin Torrez, “The Great American Lowrider Tradition” covers the history of lowriding as told by some of its best-known Los Angeles pioneers, examining how this expression of Mexican American cultural pride prevailed over racism to become a worldwide phenomenon. For more information about the film, visit lowriderdocumentary.org.

The film screening will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with Martin Torrez, the film’s director; Oscar Ruelas, co-founder of the Duke’s So. Cal, the world’s oldest continuing lowrider car club; and Little Willie G., legendary Chicano lead singer of Thee Midniters.

The screening is dedicated to Ruben Salazar, a Chicano journalist and civil rights activist who was killed August 29, 1970, during an antiwar march.

Event subject to current visitor protocols. Please visit the COVID-19 page for information.