ONE NIGHT ONLY: 'ASCO: Without Permission' at The Nightlight

ASCO: Without Permission traces the history of the Chicano artistic collective ASCO, born in Los Angeles during the 1970s – 80s, whose members challenged hegemonic representations in the art world, Hollywood, and media through radical acts at the intersection of activism and performance. Long marginalized and made invisible, these artists are now recognized as major figures of 20th-century art.
Formally inventive, this film — presented at South by Southwest (SXSW) and executive produced by Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna—highlights ASCO’s legacy, blending archival material with contemporary performances.
Playing at The Nightlight Cinema exclusively on Thursday, June 18! Tickets available now!
Director’s statement:
My hope is the film is a manifesto, the ASCO manifesto, for the next generation of the Chicano and Latinx community, as well as any marginalized group that wants to take from ASCO’s playbook. We need stories with different types of protagonists. We have to create our own reference points. ASCO shows us that Chicanos are not a monolith and that we can collaborate and have immense creativity to offer. The next generation of artists, actors and activists along with the creatives on this project remind us of that.
I hope the film inspires people to be daring and take risks, to be open to working and trusting one another. I’m honored to tell their story and help open the next chapter of Latinx history where our stories and work can be as bold and electrifying as ASCO’s.
- Travis Gutiérrez Senger