I'd like to suggest an excellent and inspiring film from the 80s called
STAND AND DELIVER, starring Edward James Olmos. This was based on the
true story of an inner-city LA teacher who challenged his predominantly
hispanic, lower-class students to learn Advanced Placement Calculus.

Also Allison Anders' MI VIDA LOCA/MY CRAZY LIFE, on latina women and
gangs in East LA.

John Singleton's BOYZ IN THE HOOD, on young black men and gangs in LA.

BOYS ON THE SIDE, with Drew Barrymore, Whoopi Goldberg and Matthew
McConaughy: a tragedy/comedy that deals with gay and straight women and
also AIDS.

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