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This Land Is (long version)

This Land Is follows Jesse as he’s rescued from a life of squalor with his mother, to the loving arms of his grandmother – and then back again, by circumstance, to the harsh reality of neglect with his mother.

  • Bunnie Rivera
    Writer
  • Bunnie Rivera
    Producer
  • Amy Hamilton
    Producer
  • Robert Amico
    Producer
  • Gloria Laino
    Key Cast
    "Mercedes (grandma)"
  • Hunter Rocha
    Key Cast
    "Jesse"
  • Edward Padilla
    Key Cast
    "Mr. Gutierrez"
  • Tricia Castañeda-Guevara
    Key Cast
    "Lena"
  • Bunnie Rivera
    Director
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, social justice
  • Runtime:
    23 minutes 12 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 6, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Marina del Rey International Film Festival
    Sherman Oaks
    United States
    June 12, 2024
    Los Angeles Premiere
    Grand Prize Drama Short
  • City of Angels Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    September 11, 2024
    Grand Prize Panavision Award
Director Biography - Bunnie Rivera

After a 30-year career as a seasoned Hollywood actress, appearing in many television shows and films, Bunnie Rivera has ventured to the other side of the camera, stepping into the director's chair to bring a decades-long vision to life. Her transition to filmmaking represents a new and exciting chapter in her creative journey, allowing her to explore storytelling with a unique perspective. In a sit-down interview with us, she shares insights into her journey and her debut film, the short film story of a young boy in untenable situations trying to find his safety in family, wherever that is. "This Land Is," starring Gloria Laino and Hunter Rocha and featuring Edward Padilla, is currently in post-production.

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Director Statement

As a Latina director, my goal has always been to shine a light on stories that offer both a mirror and a window—reflecting lived experiences for some, while providing a new perspective for others. "This Land Is" is the culmination of these efforts, a narrative deeply rooted in the personal and societal struggles faced by Latino and all underserved children in the United States.
At the heart of "This Land Is" is young Jesse, a character whose life is emblematic of the abrupt turns fate can take, significantly narrowing the scope of choices available. Through Jesse’s eyes, we explore the complexities of a system that seems designed to fail those it intends to support. The film delves into the lives of the estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults facing homelessness in our country, a staggering figure that underscores the urgency and relevance of Jesse's story.
"This Land Is" is more than a film; it's a call to action—an invitation to audiences to pause and reconsider the paths that lead individuals to situations often judged harshly by society. By sharing the stories of gang members, homeless teens, and, centrally, a young Latino boy's quest for a place to call home, the film advocates for a shift from judgment to empathy, from exclusion to understanding.