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Never Going Back

When Explorer left Honduras, she left everything behind.
In the middle of the night, she didn’t have the chance to ask where she was going, but she’s never afraid, her father is always there taking care of her. This Honduran family travelled to Mexico looking for a safe place. A place where their two daughters could grow and their lives weren’t on the line. This is a brief chapter of this family’s journey to protect their daughters’ lives and their innocence.

  • Janette A. López
    Director
  • Rodrigo Glenn
    Producer
  • Luli Monsalvo Espinosa
    Producer
  • Janette A. López
    Producer
  • Pamela Carvajal
    Producer
  • Rodrigo Glenn
    Photography
  • Ricardo Ruiz
    Photography
  • Janette A. López
    Editor
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Para No Volver
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 5 minutes 54 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 23, 2019
  • Country of Origin:
    Mexico
  • Country of Filming:
    Mexico
  • Language:
    Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Janette A. López

Janette López was born in California and raised in México. She has 8 years of experience as an editor and director. She has worked in Los Angeles and Mexico City for clients like Mundo Fox, Univision, TV Azteca and Netflix.

Filmography - Director
2018 – Never Going Back (65 mins), Feature Documentary
2018 – Veggie, Short
2017 – El jardín de las amadas, Short
2015 – Cuba, la isla se mueve (Co-director), TV Documentary
2014 – Foragido, Short
2012 – Hermelinda, Best Short and Best Director 48 Hour Film Fest
2011 - On Board C-1012,Documentary Short

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Director Statement

I have to be honest. I wasn’t looking for this story. I was sent to explore our Southern Border and find a different perspective on the increasing migration of Central Americans to Mexico. Before the U.S. started separating families, before the caravans, this was already a crisis.
After a long scouting trip, and many interviews, I went back home and decided I wanted to tell a story I felt passionate about: the story of the children who pay the price. Not only are they innocent, in most cases, they don’t even understand what is really happening.
I am a daughter of immigrants, not refugees, but to a certain degree, I understand how a family lives in a foreign country, missing home, always dreaming of going back. Explorer’s family, like mine, loves their home country. They love their music, their food, the way people are always friendly. They loved their house, that was around the corner from their relatives’ homes. The difference between our families is: my family moved in search for a decent job and a better quality of life, Explorer’s family is running for their lives.
Explorer was the most fortunate encounter in making this documentary. She is brave and fearless, she is smart and strong. This story was told by her, it is a chance to see an adult problem through the eyes of an 8 year old charming little girl.