Filmmaker Chris Weitz admits his most recent film “A Better Life” has been a lot harder to let go than any of the other films he’s directed over the last 12 years, which include “About a Boy,” “The Golden Compass” and “New Moon.”

Part of the reason Weitz has held the film so close to his heart is because he comes from a Latino background himself. His grandmother, Mexican actress Lupita Tovar, starred in the Spanish version of “Dracula” in 1931.

“It’s part of the reason I did the film and why it sticks with me,” Weitz told EXTRA during an exclusive interview for the DVD release of “A Better Life.”

The movie stars Demián Bichir (TV’s “Weeds”) as Carlos Galindo, an undocumented day laborer working to provide for his son Luis (José Julian) while living in Los Angeles.

EXTRA caught up with Weitz, 41, who was on his way to Bakersfield, Calif. to accept an award from United Farm Workers of America co-founder Dolores Huerta.

EXTRA: What is it going to mean to receive an award from someone like Dolores Huerta for your work on “A Better Life?”

Chris Weitz: For this movie to make an impact on someone like her is extraordinary. She was fighting the good fight when it was dangerous and unfashionable to take on that kind of political cause. It’s an amazing seal of approval for the film. I am beyond honored to be receiving it.

HB56, a new immigration law making it legal for police officers to ask people for their immigration status, just passed in Alabama. What are your initial thoughts on the bill?

I think it’s disgusting. I think it’s a national shame. I think it shows how little understanding politicians have of the immigration ...