# "EL CARRO NUEVO" 1976 ANTI-DUI DRINKING AND DRIVING AWARENESS FILM

Made by the L.A. County Alcohol Safety Action Project, "El Carro Nuevo" (1976) is an anti-drinking and driving film that targets Mexican-Americans. This film tells the story of Rosa, a determined woman learning to drive to gain independence and support her family. Despite resistance from her husband Ramón—who clings to traditional gender roles and frequently drinks—Rosa persists, taking driving lessons and staying focused on helping buy a new family car. Tensions arise over her growing confidence, especially as she confronts the dangers of drunk driving, which the men around her often dismiss. A turning point occurs when Rosa successfully gets her license, while Ramón faces legal consequences for repeat DUI offenses. In the end, Rosa is empowered and in control—literally driving her family forward, while Ramón reflects on his missteps. The story highlights gender dynamics, responsibility, and the impact of alcohol on families. The film was directed by Frank Lisciandro, with the script by Lisciandro and Alejandro Nogales. Cinematography by Doug Ryan. The film was funded in part by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

0:00 Main titles and shots of Hispanic dance halls, ballrooms, tap rooms and Mexican-American bars in Los Angeles, advertising cerveza and birria. A group of friends chats at a bar, debating who will pay for drinks. They joke and tease, revealing personal dynamics and financial concerns.

3:04 – Rosa is taking a driving lesson. The instructor encourages her,…

- Kind: Short
- Year: 1976
- Runtime: 21 min
- By: The film was directed by Frank Lisciandro, with the script by Lisciandro and Alejandro Nogales. Cinematography by Doug Ryan. The film was funded in part by…
- Archive: [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%22EL_CARRO_NUEVO%22_1976_ANTI-DUI_DRINKING_AND_DRIVING_AWARENESS_FILM.webm)
- Licence or status: Public domain (as the archive states it)
- Credit: The film was directed by Frank Lisciandro, with the script by Lisciandro and Alejandro Nogales. Cinematography by Doug Ryan. The film was funded in part by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Made by the L.A. County Alcohol Safety…
- Who can watch: Teens profiles and older (the archive gives no rating; placed by Invisible Network from its collection and subjects)

[Watch now](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/watch/archive/commons/191857396?play=1)