Bechdel Test Movie List

Latina gang members in Echo Park talking about the culture of gangs in Echo Park.

This film was directed by a Mexican American woman named Allison Anders. It was produced by Carl Colpaert and Daniel Hassid. The protagonists are the women in the gang of echo park. They are mothers who protect their children from violence in their neighborhood. Politics of representation was seen a lot in the gang. For example, if you take a look at Giggles, Giggles was locked up in prison for something she didn’t do. (36:00)
Especially being a person of color, they take advantage of you.(54:00) For example, police have taken pictures of a minor that was under 18 and Giggles pointed that out.

This movie does pass the Bechdel test because the gang members talk about their culture and motherhood in gang violence. The women in the gang from Echo park looked out for each other, lifting each other up and encouraging themselves that they don’t need the help from a man. After Ernesto passed away, Sad girl and Mousie ( who were beefing) started to unite again. These two girls were best friends from the beginning, and grew apart as they grew older. Even Giggles tells her home girls, “Don’t throw home girl for a guy” (37:00) “We girls need new skills, gotta think about the future” No need to have a husband. Getting a job because computers are the future.