IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Gravity to Desierto: Latino Director Produces Films About Returning Home

Jonas Cuaron, co-writer of Oscar-winning film "Gravity," talks about directing his new thriller "Desierto," with Gael Garcia Bernal.
Get more newsLiveon

Jonás Cuarón started creating his newest film "Desierto" almost 10 years ago.

"I was traveling through Arizona with my brothers and, you know, Arizona is where the biggest flux of migration happens in the U.S.," said Cuarón, who co-wrote the Oscar-winning movie "Gravity" with his father, acclaimed Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón. "In that trip the people at the Mexican consulate told me and my brother horrific stories about border crossings.

RELATED: Gael García Bernal Tackles Border Crossings in New Thriller 'Desierto'

The movie, starring Gael Garcia Bernal, follows the story of a father crossing the U.S.-Mexico border to reunite with his son in the United States. The movie follows his group of migrants as they cross paths with a murderous vigilante hunting migrants.

Cuarón said the film's release is not timed with the current discussion on immigration in the presidential race because for the decade he has seen anti-immigrant legislation pop up in states along the southern border.

"I have lived in the U.S. for 15 years and I keep hearing this rhetoric of hatred toward migrants," Cuarón said. "... I became very interested in the subject matter and decided to do a movie that spoke about it."

Follow NBC Latino on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.