'Low Y Cool' Camaradas Lowrider Bike Club South Tucson Arizona - documentary film Marianne Dissard

52mn made-for-French TV 1997 documentary film directed by Marianne Dissard and featuring theCamaradas Lowrider Bicycle Club from South Tucson, Arizona.
To watch the 1995 short film/trailer version of 'Low Y Cool', go to : • 1995 documentary video...
To watch the raw unedited s8mm film footage shot in South Tucson and Nogales during the making of the 'Low Y Cool' documentary film, go to : • Lowrider Bicycle Club ...
To watch the Terran quinceñera with Dukes Car Club South Tucson (not my footage, uploaded by permission for sharing), go to : • Teran Quinceañera 1995...
Note: I had to mute the song at around 5 minutes (Vincente Fernandez' Volver, Volver) so youTube wouldn't block the video from being accessible worldwide.
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UPDATE 202021
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I made this film in 1996. I would make it very, very differently now. It was my first film with a production company and I lost control of some things that mattered a lot in the process of making it. Seriously, what is up with those cheesy voice-over actors the French production company insisted on for 'global' distribution? But it matters more that this film is available to view.
Some things have changed in Tucson. Others have not. Some of the kids have kids of their own now, who inherited their parents' lowriders. Shade Tree long ago passed. One of the kids was lost to gun warfare. Others left Arizona. In the background of the film, there are urgent community efforts and a focused activism that would see the launch the Mexican American Study Program at TUSD in the late 90s, followed by reactionary backlash.
This is about community and survival. This is about a time and a place. This is about Tucson.
Since 1996, I've become a singer, touring, composing and recording with Tucson musicians Sergio Mendoza, Joey Burns, Brian Lopez, Howe Gelb, Brian Lopez, Salvador Duran, Naïm Amor.
We had a 25th anniversary screening in 2022 in Tucson at the downtown The Screening Room, the theater of the original premiere in 1997. Thanks to all who came. Thanks to everyone in the film.
I hope you like seeing it and please share.
www.mariannedis...
www.mariannedis...
/ mariannedissard
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LOW Y COOL (1997)
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Low Y Cool was directed by Tucson filmmaker Marianne Dissard in 1996 with funding by French TV channel Planête Cable. It was shot by legendary American documentary filmmaker Robert Kramer shortly before his passing. The film has received praise for its sincere exploration of issues of cultural identity. It has been broadcast regularly since 1997 on French cable channel Planête.
In 2011, Low Y Cool got selected to be part of the AZ 100 INDIE FILM collection to celebrate the Arizona Centennial in February of 2012. The AZ 100 INDIE FILM is a project of the University of Arizona Confluencenter for Creative Inquiry in conjunction with the Arizona Media Arts Center. This project is the first step in establishing a Media Archives for Arizona independent films.
Before shooting the film in 1996, Dissard became a member of the Camaradas club, which provides a constructive alternative to gang-affiliation for many Chicano and Mexicano youths. The film documents the tensions which flared when the French-born Dissard brought a foreign crew to film the bike club for French TV. Through her dual experiences - as both an insider and outsider to the bike club and the community of South Tucson; as a Frenchwoman and new American - Dissard explores issues of race, history and community.
Low Y Cool features an array of Tucson notables, including DJs of KXCI's radio program Radio Xicana, Chicana poets Jessica Jaramillo and Marie Contreras, the Tucson Xicano Coalition and Miguel Ortega and, perhaps most colorfully, a bike mechanic and drifter named Shade Tree.
Like countless lowrider bike and car clubs all across the US, the South Tucson, AZ Camaradas Lowrider Bike Club, resolutely positioned as an alternative to gangs, offers Chicano and Mexicano youth an all too rare place to affirm their cultural identity while keeping them out of the street.
When French-born filmmaker and Camaradas club member, Marianne Dissard, brings in a foreign documentary crew to shoot her lowriding friends for French TV, tensions suddenly erupt in the local Chicano community. Fragment by fragment, the camera attempts to penetrate its intimity and unveil the mystery of its delicate balance, between American assimilation, Mexican roots and the lost glory of an Aztec past.

[@chuey1222]

I remember when we started camaradas bike club. It is a great joy to see this documentary. Back in the days we used to cruse 6th ave on our bikes and one day we met Alex and his bro and they joined our club. Chuey, RIP Shortee, Mikee, Augie, Lillian, Peludo, Efren P. Homer P. We had a bike and car club. Shout out to Shade Tree, that was the hang out spot, “I wonder if he still has the Cheeto’s bike?”we had our meetings there. The name camaradas meant “my friends”. For those who don’t understand the bike thang I’ll explain. Building a bike from scratch with your own two hands, exhibiting what you build, sharing with your camaradas ideas between each other on building a better bike to kill the competition or winning awards it was a far better thing than gangs. Belonging to something bigger than your self. Helping young kids to stay away from drugs, violence, or whatever. Helping them be creative or Just being an inspiration to the youth. Shout out to big Alex, Eloy, Maricela, Erica. From Chuey

[@ArizonaJonsFromTucson]

Hahaha that's the shits I remember all that stuff I was from Bueno estilo in South Tucson I remember when the bike club broke up and then they became raza unida what a trip but hey so did our club we become nemesis

[@Phillipelewis]

This documentary won an award right ? It’s a masterpiece

[@MarianneDissard]

Ahh nah. I wish it was and it did, but no. Glad you liked it though.

[@ricardopereyda2024]

Tucson in 1996. I was 14. Woof.

[@katelynrenee9761]

My Tios German and Alex were a big part of the Camaradas! A huge reason I’m proud to be chicana! 🇲🇽

[@MarianneDissard]

I remember them well! Say hello from me.

[@eddyfitzgerald1978]

moved to Tucson from Ireland in 2011,wish i came in the 90's it looked more fun,ive been working down the Southside with people from Mexico for the last 3 years, beautiful beautiful people,i enjoyed this documentary

[@MarianneDissard]

Thanks for watching! I don't know if it was more fun back in the 90s but I miss those days. What do you do in the Southside?

[@prod.hollwhouse]

Grew up in south Tucson had no idea it was like this back then you don’t see no clubs riding around anymore or maybe I’m just not seeing it every night

[@MarianneDissard]

They're around... ;)

[@MicThaKidd]

I remember when we recorded this it was fun I miss those days . I was like 12 years old when I joined the Camaradas bike club lol I miss going to car shows and cruising with the crew it was always real fun and I still have my bike . RIP Shade Tree 🙏🏼

[@Phillipelewis]

Do you still live in Tucson?

[@Phillipelewis]

Is the club still around ?

[@MicThaKidd]

@@Phillipelewis yeah I still live in Tucson the club isn’t together anymore but we see old members time to time

[@MarianneDissard]

@@Phillipelewis I moved in 2013 to Europe. Bought a sailboat, lived on it for three years, then sold it. Now inland in the UK. Not sure what next. The eternal tumbleweed...

[@Jrfiggy74]

This was a cool throwback. I remember checking them out cruise around. It would be nice to see them nowadays.

[@crazydrummerofdoom]

Man.i miss this Tucson, slow ,simple and laid back. Now with all the gentrification BS,we are nothing then a Slave town operating under whatever the dictatorship of authority says,some things never change in respect to the heavey handedness of the mayor and her cronies.I grew up on cardinal and Losreales I miss the love of the south side.

[@MarianneDissard]

It sounds like Tucson has changed and keeps changing, not for the best for most, but there's community. Can't say that where i live now.

[@efrey1911]

I used to manage the liquor store in front of Shade Tree’s old bike shop on south 6th/32nd street (Ice Plant Liquors). He was always filled with quiet wisdom and an understated coolness. RIP, Shade. I still have the Buck knife you traded with me. Godspeed.

[@MarianneDissard]

I remember the liquor store, and the shop, and that parking lot! Well, the whole street! Thanks for your message. Godspeed to you too.

[@antoniojaimez2648]

Thats my old hood, South T, Barrio Libre my barrio, some homies made it and some didnt. Camaradas vatos from Califas , Orale never met them but they seem to have a good heart, My familia is still in the barrio I go there but not often enough. Sad to see some homies who never found themselfs fading away on the streets. but always feel safe when Im there or when Im driving by. Great piece Marrianne Dissard.

[@MarianneDissard]

Thanks! Yes, good hearts all around. I've lost touch with some and Shade Tree passed some years back. Miguel Ortega still fighting the good fights in town. The kids have grown. Can't wait to get back. Three months to go and Tucson!!

[@scottjkerr]

Great documentary Marianne, I've heard great things about Shadetree and this film. Thanks for putting this wonderful film up.

[@MarianneDissard]

Welcome, Scott!

[@kciN1221]

This documentary was a tearful and joyous trip back down memory lane. A simpler time, we had our ups and downs with gang banging and racial profiling but these were the days where families were always together at the parks, fiesta's and at the bike shows. Thank you 🙏

[@johnnygt.v.6889]

How did I miss this for 4yrs? I'll listen to her voice all day! lol

[@maethafoca]

Really interesting documentary...thank so much for showing me this reality Marianne. As from now you got a portuguese fan of your movies, loved the music on it!!!

[@holaheirika]

omg i love this idk why it doesnt have more views!

[@TylerChristoher]

Hell yeah, Way up on the north side, we would mob in groups and ride BMX daily. Street and park and dirt. Remember the company spooky tooth? I bought one of their lowrider models back in the day haha. Little 48cc motor on that thing rattled the hell out of it. Yeah bikes man wow. I want to get an electric one these days. The TNBR too haha, Tuesday night bike ride that starts at the flagpole at the u of A. What a trip. And that dude's just mad at the world I wouldn't even worry about that.

[@ramblin-randy]

SO AMAZING! Ages like fine win!!!

[@MarianneDissard]

Thanks!

[@mrjayski45]

Thats my old neigborhood the bikes are crusin at the beganning of the video. 18th and 6th AVE.

[@ArizonaAdam]

I love my town 520 all day...

[@epe9916]

This is when Tucson was cool. It is a repressed city now days police state kind of feel. Sure love this video tho thanks for making it!

[@mrjayski45]

I am from tucson and grew up in the barrio barrio viejo. I knew my environment growing up. I chose to get an education and get out.I dont care where your from. Its about the choices we make in life.

[@keiperkins]

You’re. I stayed Tucson to continue to support this community by being an educator.

[@jenaroayala5731]

Chicano Power! Que Viva Aztlan!

[@petrochico4203]

I would buy bike from shay when he had his shop in south tucson. back in the day memories

[@MarianneDissard]

Wasn't he the best? I'm sad I sold that bike he built for me.

[@ThinkerOnTheBus]

There is nothing wrong with one's culture, not being aware of it, not participating in it, not in preserving it. However, there are many across all cultures, who are so desperate for their own culture that they cling so tightly to it, and wrap themselves up in it to such a degree that it is that strong desire for one's culture that is the ultimate cause of them being divided and furthermore, losing their culture. You can only lose that which you are clinging to, and this clinging prevents you from attaining inner peace, and it also gives the global elites what they need to divide all of us further, and strip us further of our cultures. It is your clinging to your culture which permits the global elites from stripping more of it from you.

[@alexmoreno9135]

By any chance is there any footage of the all girls Lowrider car club from Tucson back in the day. They used to be called dream angels and I believe they were around in the 80’s

[@MarianneDissard]

Not that I know of... I vaguely remember the name but you should be able to track them down, through people who still live in Tucson, maybe... ? Sorry I can't help.

[@ELAARON1988SWC]

what a great documentary!!!!!!!! TUCSON AZ!!!!!!!

[@MarianneDissard]

Thanks! It was a while back. Things have changed and things haven't changed.

[@ELAARON1988SWC]

Marianne Dissard god bless

[@jrome_bett]

My dad told me about this last night. His bike was called booger

[@MicThaKidd]

You’re dad is Jerome ? My dad gave him the name booger lol 😆

[@MarianneDissard]

Was he in a club, in that club?

[@BuddhaFpv]

it still looks pretty much the same around here as it did back in this video.

[@davidromero7197]

LOS 90s.LA ULTIMA DECADA DE FELICIDAD Y BUENA ECONOMIA DE USA.😢😢😢

[@tered2167]

Did you happen to take any footage of girls and lowriders? My girls and I remember being asked to be apart of a documentary around 96 for international viewing and through out the years I have always been intrigued to what it came about. Back then we where directed to a car garage but for some reason we never found it. Time has passed, what a blessing it would be to finally track it down after so many years. So young and carefree. Thank you for your work!

[@MarianneDissard]

Hello there. I don't think we did. And I wouldn't have access to any more footage than what is in this video here. Write me at [e-mail] if you have more questions. I don't get notifications from KZbin about the comments. Thanks!

[@javiercox8830]

my city man

[@Fuk3stevan_]

Good times

[@micthakidd520]

I was part of the Lowrider bike club in this documentary

[@DUKEOFEARL65]

I would love to have you on my TV show

[@AbsurdAsparagus]

at this time i was 3 years old, living on 28th and rosemont. when i was 10 my father would get a good job offer from his friend in north carolina, and i would move away. i sometimes wonder if this cultural disconnect i feel is because i wasnt able to grow up chicano, but instead as a displaced half mexican kid in north Carolina. my dad did not teach me Spanish cuz he was worried i would be discriminated against. i hope i can get back what ive been missing, but i feel fake.

[@MarianneDissard]

I was 16 when I moved from France to Arizona. I tried telling all my American boyfriends I couldn't cook amazing French food or do all sorts of French things they imagined I could do or be. I also remember that until the day I got my US citizenship, when people would ask my name, I'd reply 'Marianne' but with a sort-of American accent, trying to blend in. That never worked. On the day I became officially American, I started pronouncing my name, Marianne, the French way. Go figure... It's never easy being displaced. I'm sorry you feel 'fake'. I'm certain you're a real person, one of a kind.

[@MacinTosh-qj1qc]

North Carolina had to have been better! Tucson isn't very cultural, despite being close to the border. Hit California, it's not too far

[@chakka13]

chicano.....nor from here(america) nor from there(mexico).....a little bit of this, a little bit of that, nimodo.......

[@saucytony4609]

Thats the paisa take xicano is a indigenous person frm here we didnt cross the border border crossed us 5th generation in LaTusa Ariza BARRIO ANITA

[@djq5721]

are you still in Tucson?

[@MarianneDissard]

no, i left a couple of years ago after being there close to twenty years. miss the place!

[@djq5721]

Marianne Dissard I'm from South Tucson, I graduated from Pueblo High. This was a very cool visual of the community. Are you still in contact with anyone?

[@MarianneDissard]

lots of people in tucson, not necessarily very often anyone from the film though. ps: I did some subbing at Pueblo way back!

[@penguinboyaz]

Viva la Raza

[@mr.springsunshine6197]

I swear when cliCCed on this video it said marianne

[@mr.springsunshine6197]

*marianne diss*

[@ThinkerOnTheBus]

21:14 I would really like to know to what genocide he is referring that the government is committing against "his people". Perhaps I am ignorant and blind . . . for we all are ignorant, and blind to some extent, to various degrees, yet too many of us refuse to recognize that, and worse, refuse to open their eyes, increase their awareness, and accumulate more knowledge . . . they, for whatever reason, rather to continue living as a blind person. If there is any genocide being committed by the government, I want to know, because I won't care what race is being targeted, I will stand up against such an atrocity in every way of which I am capable. I want to know! However, I think it may be a case of narrow sight. Many people who are able to see the nefarious activities of our government against its people can only see it as acts against their race. They fail to see how the government's actions affect everyone. They are only able to see the misdeeds of our so-called government in the context of their people. It's as if they have fallen victim to that whole victimization bullshit that is so popular nowadays, except their victimization is the only one that matters, or is far worse than anybody else's, because instead of seeing certain actions being used against all citizens, they only see how it affects their group, and here, instead of gender victimization, or sexual identity victimization, non-cis white male victimization, it is racial victimization. The global elites, the ones who control our government, and cause the repression, and the "genocide" to appear that it originates from our government rather than some other power-control mechanism that is controlling our government to create various legislature, and to take specific actions, are the ones that are responsible for nearly all of the suffering, miseries, woes, and hardships on this planet. They are able to do this horrendous things against humanity, and remain hidden from nearly everyone. If you don't know the ones who are responsible for your troubles even exist, how will you ever place the blame where it belongs? Instead, those who should hold the guilt of these atrocities are convincing this group of people that their troubles are caused by that group over there, and that group over there, they have convinced that it is some other group of people who are to blame for their suffering . . . and they manage to remain unknown and pull this fraud off! The old tactic of divide and conquer. They divide us up further and further by using most of the ISMs: racism, sexism, genderism, lookism, ageism, nationalism, tribalism, spiritualism, classism, etc., and one can easily see how that manipulation has taken hold here. We need to quit classifying ourselves, and just focus on being humans long enough to realize who humanity's enemies truly are, and unite with one another to eliminate that enemy from this planet. They may be masters of manipulation, but we only need to have a small portion of the people realize who they are, and what they have been responsible for, and it would not require that many of us to cleanse the world of their filth!!! Otherwise, nobody is going to be worried about the Chicano race, nor the Caucasian race, nor the African race or any other, for there won't be many of us left alive, and those that are will simply be the slave race!!!

[@coffeepumper]

Weird that I know some of these faces..

[@MarianneDissard]

Glad you remember them, David.

[@coffeepumper]

@@MarianneDissard I'm not sure if you remember cafe Quebec, that became cafe Q, me and a friend Eldon bought it (with almost no money lol) and created Shot in the Dark cafe which we made collective, it lasted about 10 years.. a lot of downtown memories, fun, heartaches, tragedy, massive change etc. So the first scenes in the doc I recognized a few people, so cool.

[@xtooomb2275]

Arizona was not home to the Aztecs wtf? lol

[@lupytamerlinn8967]

not it all

[@saucytony4609]

Yaqui and T.O are our brothers and native tongue is uto-aztec chicano power

[@xtooomb2275]

@@saucytony4609 eres de una conquistadora no azteca

[@saucytony4609]

@@xtooomb2275 pinchie malenche! Its mexica pendejete jajajaja 😂😂😂

[@saucytony4609]

@@xtooomb22755th generation xikano born and raised laTusa rAZa Barrio Anita fuck the Spaniards Puro indigenous opata🪶

[@celest818]

Why weren't white women allowed to film these documentaries anymore?

[@nowahblanco9935]

bro u can get a lowrider its a fuckin bike