An artistic documentary that narrates how the film Adios Vaya Con Dios was made by using the streets, neighborhoods and the real locals from Chicago. They interestingly titled the film, giving the directorial splendor to La Raza. A Latino Hispanic saying, meaning 'The People.'

It is quite intriguing that the film was created by a Chicago neighborhood. I don't know if any hood or ghetto actually came together before to make a film? From viewing one of the movie's trailers it looks like the movie snagged an award or two, gathered several nominations and some good reviews. This must have been after the documentary as the behind the scenes doesn't mention the acclaim the film received. What's peaking my interest mostly about clips from the film is that it doesn't feel like a gangster film. It's almost euro looking and has a retro old- school style to it. They obviously went for this different look using alternative rock soundtracks from the UK and Mexico that reminisce the 80's.

A behind the scenes look showing how the neighborhoods of Chicago came together to make Adios Vaya Con Dios. It is impressive that a neighborhood actually pulled this off. Churches began creating their own films, most notably Fireproof (2008), but I haven't heard of an urban neighborhood unifying to accomplish movie-making. This film in particular doesn't associate it self with any religious institution or film organization, rather Executive Producer Mónica Esmeralda León using her backyard as a social construct for storytelling the beauties and tragedies of where she is from.

The documentary labeled 'La Raza when we unite,' also shows the non-actors from the neighborhoods that joined in the effort working with the actual professional actors. Narrated by Zachary Laoutides, he takes you on a history lesson, behind the meaning of 'La Raza' as the film's directorial title was dedicated to the community in which it was filmed. You follow Zachary's voice through the gangland territories of where the film was shot reflecting the realism of the mean streets.

Most interestingly is the soundtrack of the film as musicians from the United Kingdom and rock bands from México joined in having the ability to give the film a very different vibe not typically found in the urban genre.