Screened in 35mm! 

Set in Spanish and Mexican California, The Mask of Zorro draws on the region’s past to tell the story of a masked defender who fights corruption and injustice. In an era when ranchos, missions, and shifting political power shaped life in Alta California, the legend of Zorro places Los Angeles within a broader narrative of resistance and transformation in the American West. Brought to life through spirited performances by Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, the film blends historical settings with swashbuckling adventure, expanding our sense of what a Western can be. 

Inspired by the exhibition Life, Liberty, and Los Angeles, the screening highlights how the city’s history continues to shape the stories and legends told about the American West on screen. 

Introduced by John Gertz, President of Zorro Productions. Followed by a Q&A led by Luis Reyes, author of Viva Hollywood: The Legacy of Latin and Hispanic Artists in American Film. 

Directed by Martin Campbell | Written by John Eskow, Ted Elliott, and Terry Rossio, based on the character by Johnston McCulley | Starring Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins, and Catherine Zeta-Jones

The What Is a Western? Film Series explores the wide range of movies that can be considered Westerns, and the ways in which they shape our understanding of the American West. Each screening features a guest lecturer who introduces the film and explains its significance within the genre.