May 1st, immigrants from all over Latin America come together on the streets of the US.

But, have you ever wondered where they came from?

In the United State’s media, the visual imagery of immigrants have been labeled aliens and demonized. What is really the truth about their culture, their language, and their family values? Their families have been torn apart because of a greater hope. It is a hope that we believe in. We want to tell the story of the smallest, yet most populated country in Central America. Thirty percent of their population resides within our country’s borders; they cook for us, they clean for us, and they take care of our children. Have you ever asked yourself, what are their stories? They aren’t that much different from ours.

Imagine: 700 people per day leave El Salvador - a country the size of Massachusetts. Most head for the United States, hoping for a better life. At this very moment, 2.7 million Salvadorans live in the U.S. 7 million live in El Salvador. Now consider this: throughout the Salvadoran civil war (1980-92), the U.S. government backed the Salvadoran military with intensive training and 1 million dollars a day. As a result, an estimated 70,000 civilians were killed and disappeared.

If any of this is new to you, you’re not alone. This summer, we return to El Salvador 17 years after the war to hear the human stories connected to these facts and figures. We listen and learn from the lives of those who suffered, survived, and rebuilt their country after the war, and who continue to fight for justice and peace.

Return to El Salvador is an independent film, which means that we are raising every dollar ourselves - which is, you guessed it, where you come in. We’re hoping that you will join our adventure - it is as simple as making a $20 investment to pre-order a DVD. You’ll get your very own copy of the film in mid-December (in time for the holidays!), but more importantly, you’ll make this project possible. We literally can’t do this without you.

If you can’t wait that long to see the Return to El Salvador, go ahead and buy a ticket to the Philadelphia premiere in mid-october. We would love to see you there! And there are, of course, many other ways to join us. Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted through our website. To take a more active role, consider joining us as an associate producer - click on the link above for more information.

These are not stories that it’s possible to witness without being changed by them.

We’re convinced that when you encounter them, you will be compelled to learn, to listen, to act. Help us to make this film a reality!