Directed by Efraín Gutiérrez
Run, Tecato, Run is the last of three low-budget social problem films by Efraín Gutiérrez—all restored by the UCLA Film & Television Archive. Gutiérrez—the first Chicano feature director—not only starred in these films, but developed a grass-roots distribution strategy that allowed him to outperform Hollywood releases in several cities. Based on true incidents, Run, Tecato, Run depicts a junkie's efforts to get off heroin in order to reclaim and raise his daughter. Produced for $60,000, the film explores the connections between the Vietnam War, drug addiction and crime—juxtaposing these against Mexican American family, culture and spirituality.
Chicano Film Enterprises. Producer: Josephine Faz. Screenplay: Efraín Gutiérrez. Cinematographer: Josephine Faz, Efraín Gutiérrez. Editor: Efraín Gutiérrez. Cast: Efraín Gutiérrez, Arturo Castillo, Josie Gutierrez. 35mm, 86 min.