The True Story of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson

The Music. The Magic.
The Pain. The Triumph.

The True Story of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson

About The Film

The Story Behind The Film

The story behind the film, The Ugly Little Monkeys is five decades in the making.

It's the true story of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, a group of kids who grew up in the 1960s, in the working class barrios of Tucson, Arizona.

Catapulted into the international spotlight as world class musicians.

It began in the basement of a church, where boys as young as nine learned to play under the musical direction of a jazz pianist — an Irish Catholic Priest with a passion for mariachi music.

Los Changuitos Feos became the first and most successful youth mariachi group in the United States.

They toured the world and captivated audiences wherever they went.

Los Changuitos Feos became the first and most successful youth mariachi group in the United States.

They toured the world and captivated audiences wherever they went.

They played for dignitaries and performed at the inaugurations of two US Presidents, Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.

The Changos launched a national mariachi youth movement and left behind a musical legacy for generations to follow.

The band of brothers triumphed despite a deep, dark, painful secret.

One that was theirs… until now.

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About The Cast

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Go Deeper

Discover more about the film, the people, and the journey.

Learn more about the ongoing mission at the official Los Changuitos Feos organization page.

Festivals & Awards

Explore festivals and accolades.

Meet the Team

See the filmakers behind the documentary.

David E. Valdez

David E. Valdez

Executive Producer/Producer/Co-Director

Enrique Castillo

Enrique Castillo

Producer/Co-Director/Writer

Tina Huerta

Tina Huerta

Writer/Associate Producer