Manny the Movie Guy
Manny the Movie Guy Exclusive: Filmmaker Travis Gutierrez Senger on “ASCO: WITHOUT PERMISSION” Premiering at Palm Springs Art Museum
Manny the Movie Guy interviews filmmaker Travis Gutierrez Senger
THEY WERE REBELS. THEY WERE VISIONARIES. AND THEY NEVER ASKED FOR PERMISSION.
The art world has been waiting for this one — and it’s finally here.
Manny the Movie Guy sat down with acclaimed filmmaker Travis Gutierrez Senger to talk about his powerful new documentary “ASCO: WITHOUT PERMISSION,” which tells the story of the legendary Chicano art collective from East LA that shook the art scene in the 1970s (Click video above to see our interview or here for our full uncut chat).
A Revolutionary Art Collective Finally Gets Its Due
In the interview, Senger shares how Asco formed as a bold response to police brutality, Hollywood stereotypes, and systemic marginalization. Though legendary in certain circles, the group didn’t receive widespread recognition until major museums began exhibiting their work in 2005 and 2011.
“Asco Without Permission is about this revolutionary art collective from East LA who formed in the 1970s… they protested police brutality, stereotypes in Hollywood… the group is sort of legendary in certain circles, but they really didn’t get their recognition till 2005, 2011 when major museums started to show their work.”
— Travis Gutierrez Senger
Executive Producers Gael García Bernal & Diego Luna
The film is backed by powerhouse executive producers Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna, bringing even more star power and urgency to this five-years-in-the-making project.
Senger emphasizes that in today’s challenging political climate, the message of Asco feels more relevant than ever:
“In this time, which has only gotten worse, where Latinos are being really persecuted and demonized, I felt like we needed to fight back in the Asco tradition — which is to celebrate our full humanity, our color, our sexuality, our queerness, our political beliefs in our total fullness.”
— Travis Gutierrez Senger
A Powerful Message for Artists Everywhere
Senger’s final words serve as both inspiration and battle cry for every artist who’s ever been told to wait their turn:
“Do it daily, get it out there — and never, of course, ask for permission. You don’t need the permission. You just need to believe in yourself.”
— Travis Gutierrez Senger
Premiere Details
ASCO: WITHOUT PERMISSION premieres right here in the Coachella Valley at the Palm Springs Art Museum on Saturday, June 27th at 1:00 PM.
For tickets and more information, visit: psmuseum.org
Don’t miss this eye-opening, heart-stirring documentary that celebrates rebellion, resilience, and unapologetic creativity.
I’m Manny the Movie Guy — bringing you the stories that matter. See you at the premiere!
By: Manny Dela Rosa
June 26, 2026


