Meet Sergio Bonacci Lapalma

We recently connected with Sergio Bonacci Lapalma and have shared our conversation below.

Sergio Bonacci, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

I believe the origins of my generosity can be traced back to a story from my childhood—one that my mom often recounts and never fails to astonish me. It revolves around our move from Los Angeles, CA, to Argentina when I was six years old. During our early days in Argentina, we visited a public hospital for vaccinations. In Argentina, healthcare is considered a fundamental human right, providing social medicine for all. Despite being US citizens in a foreign land, my brothers and I were treated as Argentine citizens, except for one instance.

The only time I experienced discrimination for being a foreigner was not from the system, as is often the case in the US, but from my schoolmates, particularly the older ones, who targeted me because of my American citizenship. It was during this time that I began to understand the complexities of the US’s reputation in other countries. This realization deeply resonated with me and played a significant role in my decision to become an Argentine citizen in 2016 when I moved back to the US. But that’s a story for another time.

Returning to the question, the incident that epitomizes my generosity occurred at that hospital when I was six. According to my mom, there was a barefooted boy my age, and without much thought, I took off my shoes and gave them to him, choosing to walk barefoot myself. This may seem like a simple and childish act, but it profoundly humanizes me. I could elaborate extensively on this event, but I believe it encapsulates the essence of true generosity—selfless giving without expecting anything in return. It reflects the pure, unfiltered kindness that comes naturally in childhood.

In essence, true generosity, to me, originates from our inner child—the innate love that gives without asking for reciprocation. It’s akin to a mother’s love for her child, providing everything the child needs without demanding anything in return, even if it means giving up everything she has. The key lies in considering not just oneself but also one’s neighbor when embodying generosity.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Hello, I’m Sergio Bonacci Lapalma, but my friends call me Chapete. I am a Chicano-Argentinian filmmaker currently managing a 501c3 Nonprofit for the Arts called Make Art Not War. The nonprofit was created in Buenos Aires and established in California. One significant project we are currently working on is ‘The First Náhuat Dictionary’ from El Salvador, led by a native speaker. The project aims to preserve the last living indigenous language of El Salvador, Náhuat, which is at risk of disappearing with less than 200 native speakers.
We are also in the development of a film series about the Piazza Law, created by activist and Italian-Argentinian fashion designer, Roberto Piazza. His story is crucial since it can help save the lives of children and individuals who suffer abuse and do not have a voice. You can see more of our activities and mission on our website and social media at makeartnotwar.org.

I feel very proud to have this organization established and working in the United States of America. I see it as a protest against the system we live in, especially during these challenging times when war is taking place, and not much media attention or action is helping our community. In a very capitalist society like the US, our taxes are being spent on military and security support that doesn’t truly benefit the community or humanity. Therefore, I am very happy that this organization is taking place in a country that usually engages in war to move forward economically. We need organizations that have sympathy for humankind and not just for profit because, in the end, happiness is not measured by the number of zeros in your bank account but by the friendships and family you help build in your surroundings.

Currently, I am on a mission to expand our brand around the world so that art and peace can craft a better tomorrow.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I believe I have always strived to improve my values, aiming to be a better person every day. Remaining a perpetual student, even while teaching others, is crucial because the learning journey is continuous, and one cannot know everything. Additionally, with time and changes, maintaining an open mind becomes important.

When I finished high school, I exhibited wisdom in choosing my lifelong path, related to my studies. This led me to choose art because I believed it was the tool that would bring me self-fulfillment. I couldn’t envision myself working in an office for a company, as I found it disheartening, to constantly wait for time to pass so I could leave my workplace.

Engaging in art as a community activity is essential because one isn’t truly an artist unless their work is showcased and interacts with the community. A novel isn’t a novel until it’s read, a painting isn’t a painting until it’s seen, etc. Art serves as a means to communicate oneself, entertain, and reflect. It is a way to create a human soul for society. Inevitably, being part of something the system may not fully understand but accepts has allowed me to explore new ways of creating. Ultimately, I believe in doing what you love, as it is a way to give something of yourself to others—a genuine act of giving love.

Any current challenges?

Yes, a current challenge we’re encountering involves securing public and private funding in the U.S. While a significant portion of our successful funding has come from individual donors, the process of pursuing public funding is time-consuming and challenging for me, as it’s not my expertise. Working for a non-profit is a labor of love, and dedicating substantial time to securing funds detracts from my work as a filmmaker, a crucial aspect for me. Our organization must have a dedicated staff proficient in obtaining public or alternative funding. This would significantly contribute to the success of our ongoing and upcoming projects. If anyone believes they can assist us in securing private or public grants, grant writing, etc., and is interested in committing to our cause, we encourage them to reach out to us at info (at) makeartnotwar.org.

Contact Info:

Image Credit
Photo by Ezequiel Aizenberg / @ezeaizen

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