KLRN is one of four Public Broadcast Service stations tapped to produce "American Family Portraits" that highlight local Hispanic family and culture. The portraits will complement the American Family broadcast premiering nationally on PBS Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 8 p.m.
Produced by KLRN director Dagoberto Patlan, the "American Family Portraits" will be 10 minutes in length and air at the end of each American Family episode. Other "American Family Portrait" producing markets include Detroit, San Francisco, and New Jersey.
"This is a rare opportunity for San Antonio and KLRN to show the nation San Antonio "American Families," dealing with the daily struggles we all face," said Patlan.
KLRN's local "American Family Portraits" include:
"Legacy: The Growth of the Family Tree" -- Ernest is a retired Air Force Colonel who was headed down a dark path until a chance visit to the home of his father over 40 years ago inspired him to get on the straight and narrow, and filled him with curiosity about his roots. His search led him deep into Mexico and across the ocean to Spain.
"Kids Having Kids: Teen Pregnancy" -- Rebecca Moncada faced this issue when she found out she was pregnant while she was still in high school. Brian, the father, wanted an abortion right away. However, it was not an option for her. Now, it is three years later and she is marrying the father of her baby.
"Dealing With A Death in the Family" -- The García family lost their daughter only one week after she was diagnosed with leukemia. Their story is full of grief and heartache, to be sure; however, that is only one part.
"Cultura" -- Beva and her family are helping keep her culture and heritage alive and well. As individuals, each member is involved in some aspect of cultural pride and preservation -- from directing, writing and producing chicano plays, video, and film, to writing books, teaching dance, and curating a chicano film festival designed to showcase new and upcoming talent.
"Chicano!" -- This piece highlights the new traveling two-part exhibit "Chicano Now/Chicano Visions." The brainchild of Cheech Marin, this exhibit showcases the many cultural facets of what makes Latinos unique yet universally the same -- from art and literature to music, fashion, and rich history; these elements divide yet unify and are all at the core of the American Family.
American Family is the first drama series ever to air on broadcast television featuring a Hispanic cast, and the first original primetime American episodic drama on PBS in decades. The series will air weekly on KLRN, Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m., beginning Jan. 23.