A Million Miles Away celebrates the unlikely quest of José Hernández and his family as they navigate the unimaginable hurdles standing between him and his dream. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Alejandra Márquez Abella. This is a story about chasing dreams, overcoming obstacles and love. Family love, romance, brotherly love, and love for the dream. I truly felt a deep connection with the people I was watching as the story unfolds. This is a must watch!
About the Movie
Inspired by the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, A Million Miles Away follows him and his devoted family of proud migrant farm workers on a decades-long journey, from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, to the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, to more than 200 miles above the Earth in the International Space Station. With the unwavering support of his hard-working parents, relatives, and teachers, José’s unrelenting drive & determination culminates in the opportunity to achieve his seemingly impossible goal. Acclaimed writer and director Alejandra Márquez Abella has created a dazzling tribute to the loyalty and tenacity of the entire Hernández family, as well as anyone who dares to dream.
I had the absolute privilege of talking to real life NASA flight engineer José Hernández and Director Alejandra Márquez Abella about this beautiful story and how it came to life. This was truly a passion project for the two and it is a story that will leave you inspired to chase your dreams. Watch our interviews below.
Interview with NASA Flight Engineer José Hernández
Interview with Director Alejandra Márquez Abella
Director Alejandra Márquez Abella shared, “I first learned about José Hernández’s story more than three years ago when I read the first draft of A Million Miles Away. It changed how I feel about the world and how I imagine myself. When I finished reading, I couldn’t stop crying. Not because it was heartbreaking, but because it was so inspiring. We don’t see many stories like this, with the potential to change the way immigrant workers are perceived. As the first Mexican person on board the project, I think I related to the story from a different place than the previous writers had. My excitement about helming the film grew from a combination of factors: It was my first movie in partnership with a film studio and the first I would make in English. And in José’s story, I found all the elements I was looking for to direct a film fearlessly and decisively with a major partner such as Amazon Studios. It was a dream come true.”
I loved the story telling using the 5 ingredients to success. This is something that was vital in José’s life as well as the film.
The incredible cast includes Michael Peña, Rosa Salazar, Bobby Soto, Sarayu Blue, Veronica Falcón, Julio César Cedillo, Garret Dillahunt and Eric Johnson. They do this family justice by sharing their story and helping inspiring others. Hernández had previously turned down offers to make a film of his story. “I had written a couple of books and was giving motivational talks,” he explains. “My purpose is to encourage kids of any culture or race to reach their maximum potential. I saw the slate of movies this team has produced and knew these guys were serious filmmakers who could help bring my message to a wider audience.” He says.
Watch A Million Miles Away on Amazon Prime Video
