The One's Left Behind

The Ones Left Behind is a Spring 2026 Documentary Thesis film that examines and analyzes how ICE deportations impact families through more than just separating them. 

Story:

After their father is deported and later passes away, a mother and her two young daughters reflect on how separation became permanent loss, revealing the impact of deportation on the family left behind. 

By centering the voices of those rarely shown, this documentary reframes immigration enforcement as an ongoing family experience rather than a singular event.

Director's Statement:

This film is deeply personal to me, as it tells the story of my own family. While we were all impacted by my stepfather’s deportation, this film centers on my two younger sisters, who were only six and four years old when it happened and were most affected by growing up without their father. No child should have to experience that kind of separation at such a young age. The film also focuses on my mother, who became the constant in our household after his removal. With everything happening in the United States right now, I felt compelled to share this story to shed light on the lasting realities that deportation creates for families and to contribute a lived perspective to a conversation that is often discussed in abstract terms.

**ALL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ONE'S LEFT BEHIND ARE 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE. The California State University Northridge Foundation is a CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION 501 (C)(3) PUBLIC BENEFIT CALIFORNIA CORPORATION.**

Where Your Donations Will Go

Funds raised for The Ones Left Behind will directly support the production and completion of this documentary. Contributions will help cover:

Production Expenses

* Camera, lighting, and sound equipment rentals

* Memory cards and external hard drives for media storage

* Transportation

* Production supplies and expendables

* Meals and basic support for cast and crew during shoot days

Post Production

* Editing software

* Sound design and audio mixing

* Color correction

* Archival digitization

* Music licensing or original score support  

Your support helps ensure that this film is completed thoughtfully and professionally, with the technical resources necessary to tell this story with care and intention.

Thank you for supporting this project and for recognizing the importance of sharing lived experiences through the film. Your contribution directly supports the thoughtful production and completion of this documentary.