Explore the Latino Immigrant Journey Through These 5 Powerful Films

The ongoing ICE sweeps Events occurring throughout Los Angeles and the nation have highlighted numerous obstacles encountered by immigrant groups. Over several decades, immigrants from various parts of Latin America have braved difficult landscapes and waters in pursuit of a better existence within the United States, frequently putting themselves at great risk. Several movies have depicted the intricacies of the Latino immigration journey. Below are five such films.

"El Norte" (1983), directed by Gregory Nava

Brothers Rosa and Enrique Xuncax—portrayed by Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez and David Villalpando—are forced to escape Guatemala following the slaughter of their family during the nation-wide genocide targeting the Maya people amid the Guatemalan Civil War. Their perilous journey across Mexico culminates with them arriving in Los Angeles, where they hope for better prospects—a city often idealized as a place filled with opportunities. This story unfolds against the backdrop of 1983. first independent film to receive a nomination for an Academy Award for original screenplay; subsequently, it was included in the National Film Registry in 1995.

Years afterward, "El Norte" remains remarkably timely.

All that the movie encompasses is right back with us again, Nava told The Times In January, he stated, “None of the problems highlighted in the film have disappeared. The journey and struggles of Rosa and Enrique continue to reflect the experiences of countless refugees who still arrive in the U.S., hoping for a better future.”

“Under the S ame M oon” (200 7 directed by Patricia Riggen

Divided by boundaries, 9-year-old Carlitos (played by Adrián Alonso) longs to be reunited with his mother, Rosario (portrayed by Kate del Castillo). She had left him in Mexico with his sick grandmother. Following the death of his grandmother, Carlitos embarks on an unexpected solo journey to locate his mother in Los Angeles, facing perilous situations as he tries to piece together her precise whereabouts. This film marks director Patricia Riggen’s first full-length feature and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2007, garnering acclaim upon its release. standing ovation .

All these individuals put their lives at stake as they crossed the border, abandoning all possessions, driven by love," states Riggen. "Their motivation stems from love for the families they aim to reunite with, and also for those left behind whom they support financially. However, this journey is always rooted in love and familial bonds.

"Una Noche" (2012), directed by Lucy Mulvoy

For the trio of young Cubans featured in "Una Noche," the ocean presents the sole escape from their destitute homeland as they endeavor to reach Florida via a makeshift raft. This perilous journey becomes necessary when Raúl, one of the youths, faces false charges of attacking a visitor. His friend’s sister, Lila, accompanies him partly due to her allegiance to her twin brother Elio, who has beenRaúl's close companion. Overcoming numerous challenges during the 90-mile voyage proves crucial. The film, described as both dramatic and thrilling, was unveiled in the U.S. at the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival, earning accolades including three major prizes. It stars genuine non-actors such as Anailín de la Rúa de la Torre portraying Lila and Javier Nuñez Florián playing Elio. disappeared During the viewing when stopping over in Miami, later suggesting that they were defecting .

At this point, it had become fairly common to hear about Cuban actors and athletes defecting to the U.S.

"[Anailín and Javier] have a rather playful nature, so I can understand why they might choose to go ahead with something like this," stated director Lucy Mulloy when discussing the matter. news broke in 2012 But this is also a significant life choice, and nobody in Cuba approaches it without serious consideration.

"I'm No Longer Here" (2019), directed by Fernando Frías, í as de la Parra

Ulises (Juan Daniel García Treviño) stands out as the head of Los Terkos, a Cholombian subgroup in Monterrey recognized for their distinctive style and love for dancing and playing slowed-down cumbia music. However, following a miscommunication that turns him and his family into targets of gang-related aggression, he escapes to New York City. There, he has to adapt to life on society’s margins as someone navigating unfamiliar territory. 2019 film The film made waves when it won multiple Ariel Awards after its debut and was also selected as one of the contenders for Mexico to represent itself in the International Feature Film category at the 93rd Academy Awards.

The modern movie offered a subtle viewpoint on the subject of migration that didn’t solely focus on conflict.

"The concept was to create a movie that feels more open and spacious, allowing viewers to recognize that violence is indeed a component of that setting," explained director Fernando Frías de la Parra. The Tiimes In 2021, "However, joy and growth and various other aspects also prevail."

"I Carry You With Me" (2020), directed by Heidi Ewing

Iván’s (Armando Espitia) existence seems stagnant—he works as a busboy dreaming of being a chef and is a single father to his 5-year-old boy who stays with his former partner. However, Iván's routine life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Gerardo (Christian Vázquez) at a gay club, propelling him toward a blossoming romance that spans countries and years. This narrative draws inspiration from the real-life love story New York-based restaurateurs Iván García and Gerardo Zabaleta, who became friends with director Heidi Ewing—a documentarian by profession—are featured in this film. It made its debut at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, earning both the NEXT Innovator Award and the Audience Award.

Nostalgia played a vital role in the film, evoking an emotional longing for those who cannot go back.

García mentioned, 'At times I find myself dreaming about my childhood days in Mexico, which brightens up my entire day,' he shared. The Times in 2021 All we have now is to subsist on our recollections and aspirations.

This tale initially surfaced in Los Angeles Times .