Mexico City, May 24, 2024: Central Films takes viewers on the harrowing journey of migration, in the heart-wrenching 3-minute short film “Odyssey” commissioned for the Mexico City Museum of Memory and Tolerance.
Directed by Rodrigo García Sáiz, “Odyssey” portrays the touching story of a migrant and the adversities he faces to reach the United States. His seemingly eternal journey through the desert takes a surprising turn when, instead of reaching the United States, he returns home to Mexico, with an unexpected twist.
The short film showcases the daily challenges that thousands of migrants face and aims to commemorate their journeys when they end tragically. Dedicated to these individuals, the film portrays migration as a global issue where people risk everything in pursuit of a better life. Many migrants never reach their destination, and some perish along the way. For many from Mexico, this leaves the Day of the Dead as the only opportunity for them to return home, a day when departed souls reunite briefly with their living family members.
Residing in both Los Angeles and Mexico City, Rodrigo is considered one of the industry’s best directors for the Latin American and general markets. His work transcends languages and cultures, uniting audiences with both a reflection of genuine human connection and a glimmer of hope within that humanity. Among his tear-jerking ads include the famous Kohl’s “Give With All Your Heart” campaign, virally spoofed by SNL. His campaigns for Skittles, IKEA, Tecate, and Allegro, among others, have earned ad awards spanning Cannes Lions, Clio Awards, The One Show Awards, D&AD Awards and CICLOPE Awards.
Central Films, a production company based in Mexico, the USA, Colombia, Chile, Spain, and Peru, expertly dedicates itself to advertising and branded content with an emphasis on depth of story. Recent work includes the cancer-screening PSA “Late, A Short Film” and the Phoenix Super Bowl commercial “Positions”, also directed by Rodrigo.