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“We are very proud that we can speak a Mayan language but
in other countries we are
not given that recognition.”

- Josselyne García | Promotores de la Liberación Migrante

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The Film

Juanita has been unjustly detained in Reynosa, Mexico for over seven years, accused of a crime she didn’t commit and forced to confess in a language she didn’t understand.

 

This intimate portrait follows Ana and Pedro, Juanita’s aunt and uncle, on their thousand-mile journey from the highlands of Guatemala to Northern Mexico. With the help of a network of Maya interpreters and the family's Maya Chuj community, they fight for Juanita’s release and demand justice from the Mexican authorities, a cause that became internationally recognized for its defense of migrants’ rights and language justice.

Screenings

Upcoming:

Past:

Sat, Feb 1, 2025 

Panimatzalam, Solola, Guatemala

Mon, Oct 14, 2024 | 8:00 pm

DOCSMX

Cineteca Nacional - Forum, Mexico City, Mexico

Sat, Dec 21, 2024 | 1:30 pm

Guatemala Premiere

Municipal Gymnasium, San Mateo Ixtatán, Guatemala

Sun, Oct 13, 2024 | 7:00 pm

World Premiere
at DOCSMX

Goethe-Institut Mexiko, Mexico City, Mexico

The Goal

In 2014 the United States gave Mexico millions of dollars as part of the “Plan Frontera Sur” to make it as difficult as possible for migrants to reach the US-Mexico border, resulting in an increase in human rights violations, arbitrary detentions, and forced disappearances. Sadly, 10 years later, conditions have only worsened.

 

Juanita is one of the hundreds of thousands of migrants trapped within a system designed to criminalize migration.

 

Our film’s main goal is to spotlight Juanita’s case that became emblematic of the fight against language discrimination and the injustices of a migrant 'containment' system imposed by our governments. 


Freeing Juanita shows us how a family’s love, bolstered by the unconditional support of their Mayan community and combined with the efforts of international human rights networks, can resist the policies of exclusion and criminalization of migrants in our countries.

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Let's collaborate

Host a Screening Event

We'd love to collaborate with you to host a screening event of Freeing Juanita. Together, we can create an experience that resonates with every member of your community. Whether you're an individual, organization, or educator, reach out at INFO@FREEJUANITAFILM.COM so we can help you plan an impactful screening event.

  • Guatemala - 2025 Community Screening Tour with Promotores de la Liberación Migrante & also contact us to schedule a screening in your community​​

  • Mexico - Contact us to schedule a screening in your community

  • USA - TBD (likely available to schedule in the spring and summer)

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Support our work

Donate Now

Your donation can make a profound impact by supporting our film's mission. We are continuing to raise funds to support our distribution plan and impact campaign. Your support will help bring this story to communities throughout Guatemala, migrant shelters in Mexico, and in US classrooms, spreading awareness and inspiring change. Any amount is appreciated, and is tax-deductible (only in the US).

- Did you ever imagine coming all the way here?

Not even in a dream.

Pedro to Ana

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A QUICK LOOK AT

FREEING JUANITA

Our Team

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Sebastián Lasaosa Rogers

Director & Producer

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Adrián

Gutiérrez

Producer

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Ana

Gómez

Producer & Impact Producer

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Tristan

Call

Producer & Impact Producer

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Ernie

Schaeffer

Co-production & Colorist

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Lorena

Alvarado

Editor

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Stewart

Bird

Original Score

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César

González Cortés

Sound Designer

Contact us

Host a screening event in your community or get in touch about supporting our impact campaign and Guatemala community screening tour in Guatemala.

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