Join author Fernando A. Flores and filmmaker Jim Mendiola for a post-film discussion. Before the event, explore a curated selection of titles at a pop-up shop hosted by Alienated Majesty Books.

In collaboration with American Short Fiction, the Austin-based nonprofit literary organization founded in 1991, and guest editor Fernando A. Flores — author of Tears of the Trufflepig (2019), Valleyesque (2022), and the forthcoming Brother Brontë (2025) — AFS proudly presents two landmark Chicano indies: STACCATO PURR OF THE EXHAUST by Luis M. Meza and PRETTY VACANT by Jim Mendiola.

In PRETTY VACANT, Molly “La Molly” Vasquez — art student, filmmaker, hopeless romantic, and drummer for the all-girl band Aztlán-a-Go-Go — is on a mission. Her latest obsession? Issue #5 of her underground Chicana ‘zine, Ex-Voto, which dives into the Sex Pistols’ chaotic 1978 gig at Randy’s Rodeo, a San Antonio punk battleground. After uncovering the band’s lost playlist from that night, Molly is determined to rewrite rock ’n’ roll history. This vibrant, comic story blends generational clashes, punk rebellion, and Chicano pride, reflecting the hybrid identity of a post-movimiento Mexican-American. It’s loud, heartfelt, and puro San Anto.

Described as “a Chicano road movie without a road” (Les Inrocks) and “a quirky snapshot of a slacker’s life in the Highland Park district of Los Angeles” (The Los Angeles Times), STACCATO PURR OF THE EXHAUST is a black comedy about escaping suburban hell, set to a dreamy indie rock soundtrack.