Peter Bratt, a UC Santa Cruz Cowell ’86 alumnus with a degree in politics, embodies a multifaceted career as a Rockefeller Fellow, Peabody Award recipient, and Emmy-nominated film producer, writer, and director. Beyond these accolades, he stands as a dedicated community organizer and a fervent social justice advocate. Peter Bratt’s unwavering commitment to uplifting underrepresented communities has led to his recognition as the honoree of UC Santa Cruz’s 2023 Social Sciences Distinguished Alumni award.
Bratt is acclaimed for his work as the producer, writer, and director of DOLORES, an award-winning documentary spotlighting the life and activism of civil rights icon Dolores Huerta. He also holds the Principal Lead position at The Village SF, an impactful project initiated by a coalition of Native American organizations to serve the extensive Native population of over 18,000 individuals residing in San Francisco.
“Being recognized by UCSC for this work is an incredible honor that completely caught me off guard,” shared Bratt. “My time at the university was shaped by an extraordinary community of friends and professors, making this award feel like a deeply meaningful full circle moment.”
The Social Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award, an annual accolade, celebrates graduates who have demonstrated sustained and exceptional contributions to society through their work in research, practice, education, policy, or service. These honorees reflect the enduring values of UC Santa Cruz, both as accomplished professionals and engaged citizens. Heather Bullock, Acting Dean of the Division of Social Sciences, lauded this year’s recipient, stating, “Peter Bratt perfectly embodies the essence of a distinguished alumnus of UC Santa Cruz and the Social Sciences. His relentless advocacy for marginalized communities and his dedication to amplifying their voices are truly remarkable. The Social Sciences Division at UC Santa Cruz is immensely proud to recognize Peter Bratt as our 2023 alumni award recipient.”
Peter Bratt’s Lifelong Dedication to Community Service
Peter Bratt’s connection to Dolores Huerta’s impactful journey extends back to his childhood. His mother, a dedicated organizer and activist during the 1960s and 70s, was deeply involved in pivotal movements such as the Alcatraz Occupation of ’69, the Wounded Knee standoff, and the Farm Workers Movement. Growing up, Peter Bratt accompanied his mother to protests and was surrounded by influential figures within his family and community. It was through this upbringing that Bratt’s family frequently crossed paths with Dolores Huerta, who evolved into a family friend and trusted confidante.
When music legend Carlos Santana approached Peter Bratt to undertake the production, writing, and direction of a documentary feature about Huerta—a woman who profoundly shaped decades of transformative movements—he felt a deep sense of responsibility and purpose.
DOLORES premiered to critical acclaim at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival and garnered numerous accolades, including a prestigious 2018 Peabody Award and a Critic’s Circle Award. The film featured prominent figures such as Hillary Clinton and UCSC Professor Emerita Angela Davis. Bratt fondly recalls that the most enriching aspect of filming DOLORES was the opportunity to deeply connect with Huerta and her family.
“The heart of DOLORES lies in the intimate stories of Dolores and her children,” Bratt explained. “Their family narrative unfolds within the broader context of her evolution as a political strategist and movement leader. Interviewing all of her children and getting to know them as a family was a privilege. Building trust took time, but once we established a genuine connection, they openly shared their reflections, their challenges, and their joys—always with unflinching honesty.”
He added, “Dolores, even at 93 years young, remains an unstoppable force for organizing and activism. She is constantly engaged and will undoubtedly continue to be until her very last breath.”
DOLORES marked Peter Bratt’s third film production since his graduation from UC Santa Cruz in 1986. In 1996, he released his debut feature film, Follow Me Home, which premiered at the 1996 Sundance Film Festival and was honored with the Best Feature Film Audience Award at the San Francisco International Film Festival. Subsequently, in 2009, Peter Bratt wrote, directed, and co-produced La Mission, which received the esteemed Norman Lear Writer’s Award at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. More recently, Bratt served as the director and executive producer for ABC’s “Corazón de América,” the most widely viewed episode within the network’s Soul of a Nation series.
Building Indigenous Community and Advocacy with Peter Bratt
Growing up deeply rooted in San Francisco’s American Indian community, Peter Bratt has channeled his energy into leading The Village SF. This vital city-wide initiative is dedicated to enhancing access to essential resources for the over 18,000 American Indians living in San Francisco, including healthcare and behavioral health services, cultural resources, housing solutions, and an urban indigenous farm, fostering an environment for community members to thrive.
“Currently, the majority of American Indians reside in urban centers like San Francisco, yet they often remain unseen and underserved,” Bratt points out. “The Village SF aspires to shift this trajectory, fostering greater visibility and equitable access to resources.”
The Village SF initiative has garnered substantial support at the local, state, and federal levels, including endorsements from prominent figures such as former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and San Francisco Mayor London Breed. On April 21, 2023, Peter Bratt and The Village SF team actively participated in a White House Environmental Justice Roundtable, addressing the ongoing challenges faced by numerous urban communities of color.
“Beyond its crucial provision of social services, The Village SF embodies a holistic vision of environmental justice,” Bratt emphasizes, “one deeply rooted in indigenous values and principles. Many of the systems, laws, policies, and practices that shape our current reality require reimagining, and indigenous values offer invaluable guidance in this transformative process.”
Peter Bratt’s UC Santa Cruz Experience: Discovering a Passion
Peter Bratt’s journey at UC Santa Cruz culminated in his graduation in 1986 with a B.A. in politics and, unexpectedly, a burgeoning passion for filmmaking. Bratt admits that at the outset of his college years, filmmaking was far from his radar. However, through the influence of a close friend from Merrill College and Professor Vivian Sobchack, he discovered a newfound and compelling interest.
“I began to recognize the profound influence of movies and television on shaping my perceptions of the world, of diverse groups, and of gender and race,” Bratt reflected. “This realization sparked a desire to become a storyteller myself.”
When asked about advice for current UC Santa Cruz students, Peter Bratt encourages students to resist the pressure of prematurely defining their lifelong path. “Entering college as a freshman, I felt compelled to decide my future career and believed my chosen major would dictate my destiny,” Bratt shared. “I now see that as an immense burden to place on a young person. My incredible circle of friends at UCSC taught me the importance of allowing myself time to explore and discover. It was through this exploration that I ultimately found my calling in filmmaking.”
