Gregory Nava’s 1984 film El Norte, cowritten by Anna Thomas, holds the distinction of being the first U.S. independent production to earn a Best Original Screenplay nomination. El Norte is about siblings from Guatemala who aim to flee their country’s violence and head northward, eventually finding that life in the U.S. comes with its own challenges. It’s an empathetic portrait of what immigrants coming from Central America go through and their hopes for when they cross the border. El Norte is just as timely now as it was when first released, if not more.
In celebration of its 35th anniversary, and to commemorate the first day of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the movie is heading back to theaters as part of a Fathom Events presentation. The special one-day-only presentation will include an exclusive introduction by Nava, who went on to direct beloved hits like Selena and Mi Familia and who remains a staunch activist for the Latino community. The screenings will also include a brand-new featurette that explores the making of the film and features the its stars, Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez and David Villalpando.
In addition to bonus features, which will be presented in both English and Spanish, audiences will be shown an exquisite, state-of-the-art restoration produced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Getty Foundation. And, in case you miss seeing this classic on the big screen, know that Lionsgate will release El Norte on digital formats on September 17. You’ll be able to revel in Nava’s gorgeous film from the comfort of your own home.
El Norte returns to theaters for one day only on September 15, 2019.