Documentary focuses on life, not death, of Mexican-American journalist Ruben Salazar

CP28166734
This undated photo released courtesy the Salazar family via Public Broadcasting Service showing Ruben Salazar with his wife Sally and his children. Many people consider the Mexican-American journalist a martyr of the Chicano Movement after he was struck by tear gas projectile fired by a sheriff’s deputy during a 1970 riot in Los Angeles. A new documentary that focuses not on Salazar’s notorious death, but rather his life, shows how he questioned his own cultural identity as he moved in and out of Mexican and American worlds. (AP Photo/Courtesy the Salazar family via PBS)

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Mexican-American journalist Ruben Salazar is more famous for his dramatic death than his life, but a new documentary seeks to change that.

Many consider Salazar a martyr of the Chicano Movement after he was struck by tear gas projectile fired by a sheriff’s deputy during a 1970 riot in Los Angeles.

The new documentary airing Tuesday on PBS focuses on his life and cultural identity as he moved in and out of Mexican and American worlds.

The nearly hour-long film “Ruben Salazar: Man in the Middle” details the life of the Los Angeles Times journalist through photographs, videos and interviews with his relatives, friends and colleagues.

The documentary does not address Salazar’s death, which many believe was an intentional killing, though director Phillip Rodriguez says he is not among them.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles