Alan Llavore | Office of Marketing and Communications | (909) 537-5007 | allavore@csusb.edu
The Department of Communication & Media, in partnership with the Veteran Success Center and the Student Veterans Organization, will host the campus premiere of “Lejanías y Nostalgia: The Art of Alfredo de Batuc” on Thursday, Nov. 20, at 4 p.m. in the Santos Manuel Student Union (SMSU) Theater. The screening is free, open to the public, and includes accessible seating, with a post-film Q&A to follow.
Directed and produced by Professor Roberto S. Oregel, “Lejanías y Nostalgia” is a compelling one-hour documentary that traces the life and artistic evolution of acclaimed Los Angeles-based artist Alfredo de Batuc. The film follows de Batuc’s creative journey — from his iconic renderings of Los Angeles City Hall, moonlit compositions, and his celebrated Dolores del Río mural in Hollywood to his desert landscapes inspired by his hometown of Batuc in Sonora, which echo the natural beauty of the Inland Empire. Central to the story is his remarkable recovery from Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a neurological illness that left him temporarily paralyzed and unable to paint for years.
The film features insights from leading voices in the art world. Charlene Villaseñor Black, art historian, describes de Batuc’s work as “very poetic, very imaginative, drawing from the unconscious,” while art critic Mat Gleason highlights the depth of his craft, noting, “There’s so much brainwork in making his art. Sixty years of painting experience are all happening right there.” Gleason also emphasizes the lasting impact of his work: “I project hundreds of years into the future and see him certainly holding his own in art history.”
Reflecting on his own process, de Batuc explains, “My intention is basically to create something that pleases me. And I think that if it pleases me, it might please somebody else.”
“Alfredo’s story is one of resilience, memory, and the deep human need to create,” said Oregel. “I’m honored to share his life and artwork with our students, our campus, and our community.”
The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker, and — pending his health — artist Alfredo de Batuc will join for a special conversation on creativity, healing and perseverance. The event reflects the university’s commitment to culturally relevant storytelling that uplifts the Inland Empire community and resonates with veterans, artists and anyone who has faced life-altering challenges.
Production on the documentary began in December 2016 after initial conversations between Oregel, Villaseñor Black, de Batuc, and animator Dave Vamos earlier that summer. Filming, supported by assistant camera Kaveh Aflakian and Steadicam operator Jose Espinoza, continued over several years. De Batuc’s health challenges required multiple pauses in production, turning the project into a sustained effort built on persistence and shared dedication. The film’s completion was made possible through the collaboration of Villaseñor Black, Vamos, editor and filmmaker Alonso Llosa, and composer Michael J. Gonzalez, with additional support from the Department of Communication & Media and the College of Arts and Letters.
“Lejanías y Nostalgia” will be submitted to film festivals nationwide and internationally, as well as to museums and art galleries in the United States and abroad.
