Award-winning filmmaker, playwright, and writer Severo Pérez recently joined the Hispanic Genealogy Talk podcast for an engaging conversation about his acclaimed 1994 film, …and the Earth Did Not Swallow Him. Hosted by Cynthia Anne and Marco Rodriguez, a veteran actor of stage and screen, the episode delves into the making of this powerful adaptation of Tomás Rivera’s Chicano classic and its impact on preserving and celebrating Hispanic heritage.
Pérez was joined by fellow guest Art Bonilla to share behind-the-scenes stories and discuss the film’s ongoing relevance as a tribute to the resilience and spirit of migrant farmworker families in 1950s South Texas. Together, they explored how storytelling, history, and film intersect to honor the narratives of the Hispanic community.
Tune in to hear Severo Pérez reflect on his creative journey and the importance of elevating underrepresented voices in cinema. You can find the episode on Hispanic Genealogy Talk, available wherever you stream podcasts.
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.