Innocent Voices

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In 1980, a civil war erupted|in the small country of El Salvador.

It began as a conflict between|the Salvadorean Army and the peasants over land.

The peasants soon organized and|became the guerrilla army known as the FMLN.

This conflict escalated into|a brutal civil war that would last 12 years.

Cuscatanzingo was one of the last villages|trapped between the guerilla and the army.

Here is where this story takes place.

INNOCENT VOICES:

BASED ON A TRUE STORY

I'm so thirsty...

...and my feet hurt.

I have rocks in my shoes.

They're going to kill us for sure.

Why do they want to kill us|if we haven't done anything?

My dad left us...

...and went to the United States|when the war started.

Mom didn't come|out to say goodbye.

She said that now I was|the man of the house.

But first I had to pee.

Two wings.|Who could have two wings?

Two wings to fly.

This afternoon in the mountains,|I almost had them...

...and the desire to spread|them open over that sleepy ocean.

No, not me!

Fito, help me!

Help me!

Let's go.

I'm home, Mom!

I'm sorry.

I had to walk Antonio|and Fito home.

Don't they have feet|to find their own way?

You know how chicken they are.

Don't be late again.

These soldiers aren't playing.

One day, God forbid, they'll grab|a rifle and shoot you.

You understand?

Yes, Mom.

Temo! Temo!|Temo! Temo!

We were all scared|of turning 12...

...because that's|when the army takes you.

I had one year left.

You know, Ancha?|Me and you are alike.

We are!|We're both little.

- Yes, I'm little.|- Big.

In size, but not up here.

Ancha was my friend.

Everyone said he was|a fish brain.

Thank you, Anchita.

But he was the only one who|wasn't scared to have a birthday.

Good. God bless.

Hi, farty sister.

Where were you?|It's late.

- Take care of your brother and sister?|- Don't worry.

Rosita...

...dear, don't feed Ricardito|after eight, okay?

Even if he screams.

Why, mommy?

I love you.|Take out the garbage.

And close the door, bolt it|and don't let anybody in.

- You're my man of the house.|- Yeah, right, the man of the house.

You don't even know|how to wipe your own butt.

Leave my brother alone!|Come and eat.

He fell asleep.

The mattresses, Chava!

I want my mommy!

Watch out, Chava!|Don't get up there!

Get under the bed!|Quick! Get under here!

- Good night.|- Good night.

Grandma Mama Toya!

Mama Toya!

- Have you heard from Beto, mother?|- Nothing.

I haven't heard|from your brother...

...since they closed|the university.

Let's hope he's alright.

We'd know if he wasn't.|Bad news travels fast.

He'll show up.

It was really bad last night.

And the kids were alone.

I have to quit my job.

And who's going to support you?

Why don't you come live here?

How can we, Mother?|There's not enough room.

I don't mean with me.|Refugio's house is empty.

That way I can keep|an eye on the kid's...

...and help with their homework.

If we move,|he'll never find us.

Don't fool yourself.

Those who go North|get swept away.

Lift your head up, Kella.

Those who leave suffer|more than those who stay...

...and those who stay fight.

Take these savings...

...and buy yourself a weapon.

Since Mom started|working at home...

...the war didn't seem so big.

Beto loves you a little,|a lot, or nothing at all.

Cecilia!|It's curfew, go home.

Just a little longer.

Angelita, don't worry|your grandma. Go inside.

Please, grandma, five minutes.|Tell her.

Bye.

You too, Chava.

One day, there they were.|The Gringos.

The same as they are|in the movies.

They said they were|here to help us.

Don Yeyo!

Spit that out, Chava.

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