PIÑERO Latin Cinema Series

PINERO is the true story of the turbulent and artistic life of Latino icon and Puerto Rican
poet-playwright-actor, Miguel Pinero {Benjamin Bratt), who captivated New York City’s
cultural elite in the 1970s and ’80s.
Pinero’s life is an awesome study in contrasts: a Tony Award-nominee who did time at
Sing-Sing, a heroin addict whose urban poetry is recognized as a precursor to rap and
hip-hop, and a writer of hit TV shows like MIAMI VICE, KOJAK and BARETIA. Pinero
was also a founding member of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in Manhattan’s lower eastside.
Leon lchaso’s absorbing biography imprints the life of this controversial artist in our
minds and hearts. The film is a non-linear narrative fueled by the charismatic, dynamic
stream-of-consciousness poetry words of Pinero. Through this hybrid editing/ shooting
style, PINERO captures this influential icon that is Miguel Pinero.