Animator Robert Castillo wrote and directed an amazing documentary short called “S.P.I.C.: The Storyboard of My Life.” It is a poignant and sweet story about growing up in Chelsea, Massachusetts, a tough, mostly Latino neighborhood (miles away in flavor and character from Chelsea in NYC). In his artist statement, Castillo writes:

Drawing has been a vital part of my life since I could remember; it’s something I have been doing since I could pick up a pencil. Drawing was also the tool, which helped me communicate with others when in 1977 I stepped off a plane and made America my home. I was born here in the states but was raised in the island of Santo Domingo. S.P.I.C. is a compilation of everything I have learned and always wanted to try.

Castillo reclaimed the word spic to mean Special Person In Chelsea. So hot! S.P.I.C. is totally the new nigga, you guys!

S.P.I.C. [ Spike.com]