This year marks the 30th anniversary of Severo Perez’s adaptation of “Y no se lo tragó la tierra” (“…and the earth did not swallow him”), a landmark film in Chicano cinema that continues to resonate with audiences. The film, based on Tomás Rivera’s award-winning novella, captures the struggles, resilience, and spirit of the Chicano community with authenticity and heart.
At a recent event, Severo reflected on the journey of bringing this story to life, sharing stories about the inspiration behind the adaptation, the challenges of production, and the enduring legacy of the film.
Severo was inspired to adapt Rivera’s novella because it authentically depicted the Chicano experience—something rarely seen in Hollywood at the time. He recognized the stories, the folk tales, and the voices as those he grew up with, making this project deeply personal.
The film provided a much-needed alternative to the stereotypical portrayals of Latinos in mainstream media, offering a nuanced and heartfelt look at the lives of working-class Chicano families.
Creating “…and the earth did not swallow him” was both a labor of love and a testament to perseverance. From weather delays to working within a tight budget, Severo and his team embraced creative problem-solving to bring this story to the screen. As Severo recounted, the commitment of the cast and crew extended far beyond their roles—they understood the importance of the story they were telling and its potential impact on their community.
Three decades later, the film remains a cornerstone of Chicano cinema, standing alongside other influential works like “Zoot Suit,” “La Bamba,” and “Stand and Deliver.” For Severo, the film is like a child—one that has grown to touch countless lives while carrying the heart of a community’s stories.
During the event, Severo shared insights for filmmakers:
He also encouraged new storytellers to take advantage of modern tools like smartphones and editing software, proving that anyone with discipline and a story to tell can create something remarkable.
We invite you to watch the full event on YouTube, where Severo and the cast discuss their experiences, share behind-the-scenes moments, and reflect on the film’s legacy.
This celebration of “…and the earth did not swallow him” is a reminder of the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving diverse voices in cinema. Let’s continue to celebrate and support stories that bring us closer to understanding each other.
Award-winning filmmaker, playwright, and writer, Severo Perez grew up in Westside San Antonio and graduated from the University of Texas, Austin. For over forty years, he produced films for PBS, network and cable television, corporate sponsors, and the educational market. His feature film adaptation of the novel …and the earth did not swallow him (1994) by Tomas Rivera won eleven international awards, including one for Best Director and five for Best Picture. His first novel, Willa Brown & the Challengers, is historical fiction based on the real-life African American aviation pioneer, Willa Beatrice Brown. Odd Birds is his second novel. His third book, Filmmaker's Journey, was published in 2024.