Art & Living Achievements

The life of poet, activist, and Fillmore District native Al Robles was memorialized in San Francisco’s Fillmore Plaza on Fillmore and O’Farrell Streets with music, poetry, and remembrance.

Al Robles’s life was also featured in filmmaker Curtis Choy’s film, “Manilatown is in the Heart, Time Travel with Al Robles,” a documentary featured at the Asian American Film Festival Sundance Kabuki Cinema las March 14 and 15.

The documentary is the second film project between Choy and Robles, the first being “The Fall of the I-Hotel,” which featured Robles as the film narrator. The film follows Robles growing up with the jazz of his youth in Fillmore with zen monks, jazz musicians and young bloods, to his life as an activist and poet.

Robles chronicled the lives of Filipino immigrants, weaving their histories into his poetic and community work, which included the fight against the eviction of elders from the International Hotel, a struggle that gave Manilatown worldwide attention.

“Al Robles was the poet laureate—the heart and spirit—of the Manilatown and Filipino communities. San Francisco will never forget his tireless work supporting seniors and housing justice, fighting displacement and gentrification and nurturing youth in our communities,” said San Francisco District Supervisor Eric Mar.

Robles passed away in May 2009 leaving a legacy of activism and community involvement that has inspired elders and youth alike. In the words of hip hop poet Jeremy Bautista, “Much love and respect. From the Hip Hop Generation to Uncle Al, our hero!”

For more information, check out the Asian American Film Festival website,Curtis Choy’s film website, or Al Robles’s website.

 

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