Jorge Sandoval’s documentary Las Tesoros de San Antonio: A Westside Story, premiered Sunday at the 38th annual Cinefestival. As director and producer, Sandoval recapped on the lives of four of San Antonios most treasured female singers.
Three of the tesoros, or treasures, Rita “La Calandria” Vidaurri, Blanquita “Blanca Rosa” Rodriguez, and Beatriz “La Paloma del Norte” Llamas sat front and center in anticipation of the show.
The fourth tesoro, Anita Janet “La Perla Tapatia” Cortez died in 2014. She was 83.
Sandoval knew the world needed to hear the ladies story after Janet Vasquez, one of seven producers, informed him of the four singers and their story. He aimed to highlight their lives and how they helped pave the way for Latina singers.
The documentary gave detailed insight into the struggles and accomplishments of the tesoros through first-hand testimonials, recaptured photographs and videos of performances. It mentioned the racism, sexism, and homophobia experienced in the industry by all four women, in addition to their family difficulties.
Las Tesoros cheered each other on as their counterparts appeared on the big screen, especially for Cortez who had suffered from throat cancer during her singing career. Cortez, after healing, came back to sing happy birthday to the doctor who said she would never sing again.
The room filled with applause, cheering and gritos at the mention of any landmark accomplishment for any of the singers.
Harol Morgan Avila, CEO of Sierra Vieja Tequila, provided a celebrational drink to commend Las Tesoros and the team that put the documentary together.
Sandoval and his team worked to create their documentary without any major financial backing.
His most memorable moment on the project was the first time he met Las Tesoros, Sandoval recalls.
“I honestly did not know who they were,” Sandoval said. “Janet Vasquez is the one that really knew them before I did.”
“They kept you on your toes,” producer Alex Avila said. “Even at their age they can still command an audience, they were performers on and off the stage.”
The premiere concluded with comments from Las Tesoros and a brief Q&A.
Cinefestival will continue on through February 27 and showcases independent Latino films.
Tickets are available online at Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center site or at the box office of the Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St.
