Ugly Little Monkeys tells the true story of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, from some of the original members of the group. They were the first youth mariachi group in the United States, founded in 1964, by Irish Catholic priest Father Charles Rourke. Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson still remains today after 60 years and makes them the oldest performing youth mariachi group in the world. Los Changuitos Feos eventually rose to international fame. Despite all their success, there was a deep, dark, ugly secret that almost destroyed the group. 

Director's Statement

We're incredibly pleased to have our film in this year's Arizona Int. Film Festival to share with the Tucson community. The main characters in the film are all Tucsonans and without their resilience, brotherhood, and protecting each other, we would not be witnessing the youth mariachi movement of today. We thank the original members of this film for entrusting their incredible stories to us. We also thank Wilfred Arvizu for writing his book, "Bless Me Father for You Have Sinned". This was our inspiration for making this film. We dedicate this film to Joel D Valdez.

Category: Feature Doc, Arizona Film, Festival Alum.
Themes: Mexican Culture, Music.

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