A PLACE OF ABSENCE is a documentary that follows an organization of brave Central American women, who yearly embark on an epic bus journey through Mexico in a desperate search for their sons and daughters who disappeared on the grim journey to the United States.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Marialuisa Ernst

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I’m making a film to change the world and to show a different face into the subject of immigration. The world needs to know about the human tragedy of the disappearances and the suffering of the mothers that live in a “Place of Absence” without knowing If their children are dead or alive; sometimes for decades. The story of the disappeared is so unknown to Americans. There are 120,000 Central Americans that have disappeared on the way to the border or even on American soil. But I’m also making this film because of my own personal need of expression and communication using filmmaking as a tool to observe and experiment with the possibilities of reality.

I started by making a very personal and intimate film about my own experience. My uncle was disappeared by the Argentine regime in the 1970’s. My mom searched for answers for 35 years until we found him in a mass grave 7 years ago. The film evolved into this wider subject when I met the women of the caravan in 2014.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

Because I will submerge you into a very subjective experience, it will be like traveling into a different culture and a different world.

You will be touched, moved and inspired by the story of four powerful woman.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

For me art it’s a deep internal exploration, the journey is first inwards, once you find something that is very personal you might be able to have a glimpse into a more universal truth that apply to us as humans.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

I began documenting a personal story of my uncle when I came to know about the caravan of mothers looking for their children; then the movie shifted to the mothers and their search. This then led to a natural connection of how we are all affected by these disappearances, not only from the past, but actually occurring right now in the world. The film weaves my personal story with the human rights story of the women of the Mother’s Caravan.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

I have had extremely positive feedback from many people and organizations. Ninety people attended the campaign launch where I presented scenes from the film. It was very well received.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I am trying to reach a wider audience for my crowd funding campaign.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Firstly, an experienced producer.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I want awareness to the cause and to change legislation regarding DNA testing of remains found in mass graves.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

To what extent are the US and Mexico responsible for the immigrants crossing the border into their country?

Interview: December 2017

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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A Place of Absence

Length: 70 min

Director: Marialuisa Ernst

Producer: Marialuisa Ernst

Writer: Marialuisa Ernst

About the writer, director and producer:

Director /Producer Marialuisa Ernst is a mother, performance artist, and filmmaker from South America whose work has been presented and acclaimed world wide.

Key cast:

Anita, whose search for her son fifteen years ago led her to form the Caravan, become a mentor and activist, and finally speak at the Mexican Senate; Angela, who found her daughter unjustly incarcerated in Mexico and now visits her in jail; Guadalupe, whose son remains missing after being ransomed by a cartel two years ago; and Reyna, who discovered that her daughter escaped from years of forced sex work, and is still determined to hold her again.

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):

I’m looking for an experience producer That want to take over the complete production of the film.

Social media handles:

Facebook: A Place of Absence

Twitter: aplacefilms

Instagram:@aplaceofabsence