When Mama Went Away is a feature-length narrative film in early stages of pre-production.
The story centers on a delivery driver who, after his wife is prevented from reentering the U.S. due to a sudden travel restriction, must balance work and parenthood by bringing his young daughter along on his delivery routes. The film explores themes of immigration, family separation, and working-class survival in contemporary Los Angeles.
How am I involved?
Idea and concept development
Directing and Producing
Network and Marketing
Highlight: Experimenting Docu-fiction
- Mom said she can't make it for supper for a few days, so I guess we'll be eating out a lot!
- Today you come to help me at work!
Ice cream freezes all problems, for a while...
Project Outlines
Structure
A low-budget, feature-length project built on spontaneity and observation, the film blurs the boundary between documentary and fiction. Its scenes unfold through improvisation and lived experience, allowing real moments to guide the storytelling.
Cinematography will be observational and discreet, prioritizing authenticity over composition. The camera follows rather than directs, preserving the spontaneity of each moment.
Main Ideas
Amid the echoes of a changing world — The ICE raids, immigration restrictions, and the dominance of global commerce — the film narrows its focus to something intimate: a father and daughter learning to depend on each other when circumstance leaves them no choice.
At its core, the film also highlights how little help exists for families living on the edge — parents doing their best, and children growing up in the spaces where the system fails them.
Execution
Financing is planned in three phases — beginning with private sponsorship, followed by a community-driven crowdfunding campaign, and supported by select film grants.
Principal cinematography is expected to span 20 to 30 days, with most filming taking place within Los Angeles County. The production will focus primarily on working-class neighborhoods that reflect the story’s social and cultural setting.