Salvadoreño | A Short Documentary by Will Ramirez
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- My family left El Salvador in 1987 in the middle of the Civil War that claimed the lives of 75,000 Salvadorans. This film follows my return to El Salvador to learn about the country's history, to connect with some distant family, and understand the future trajectory of this country.
The answers I found while making this short documentary were surprising. From the extent of US intervention in the civil war, to some violent family history I had previously never known. This is my story. An immigrant who has received infinite opportunities in Canada, but still exists in an identity crisis between the culture and heritage he was born into and the culture he has had to navigate throughout his life.
Though I am now and always will be Canadian, the fact remains I will always be Salvadoreño.
THIS FILM WAS SHOT WITH:
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It is with a heavy heart that I let you know that my grandfather who was featured in this documentary passed away on January 27, 2021. I am so grateful to have been able to share his story with you and want to thank you for all of you who took the time to share your story with me in the comments. I appreciate you all. Thank you!
RIP . He will live forever on the minds of whom watched this documentary.
Thank you to your entire family for sharing .
I just got done seeing this . This hits home since I grew up in El salvador in the 80s and moved around until I found a home in Canada. May your Grandfather find peace in his new beginnings .
Lo siento Mucho Brother, mi abuelo tambien murio ace unos anios y fue el quien me cuido en los 80's cuando mi madre salio del salvador hacia USA. mi padre fue asecinado a principios de la guerra. hoy Yo vivo en USA y espero un dia regresar a El Salvador. Gracias por tomarte el tiempo en hacer este Video ke Yo me identifico mucho con el, Saludos.
My condolences 🙏 may he rest in peace!
Dear Will,
I’m sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing this wonderful documentary with us. Hope to see more like it.
Peace, e
Bro much love from a chapin 🇬🇹 always supporting our brother guanacos 🇬🇹🤝🇸🇻❤️
Me encanto! I’m enchanted! Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful story and history. I’m salvadorian, grew up in Virginia since I was 12 years old. Now I’m 32. Always been so proud to be Salvadorian. Our country is Gods favor that’s why the devil held so much corruption there. Salvador means savior. Our lord god will keep blessing our country...
I love seeing the different cultures. I’m from the UK(England) your sound overall is outstanding! It looks like the whole experience was eye opening for you. I’ve come from the nosmallcreator group
Thanks again for watching and commenting Mark! It was an incredible experience. already looking for another short film to do at this scale.
So glad you were able to see your abuelito and the rest of the family ❤️ May he Rest In Peace 🙏🏼 most of my dad’s family got asylum in Australia. I don’t know much about his family and they are not very closed. I think there is a lot of trauma within the family and specially those who experienced the war. I hope to go visit them in Australia soon to get more information about my family. My dad has very few pictures of them together as a family but I would like to know more about their story. My moms family immigrated to the US and I have been living here for over 15 years. I will never forget the memories I have from my childhood there and wish to go back soon now with my family. El Salvador is beautiful and everything that it has to offer. Thank you for sharing your story!
AMAZING FILM BROTHER. UN GRAN HABRAZO. EL SALVADOR 🇸🇻 NUESTRO PULGARCITO, LUCHARÁ HASTA EL FIN. EL PROGRESO DE NUESTRA TIERRA ES INEVITABLE. SALUDOS. FROM LOS ANGELES, CA 🌴🇸🇻
Gracias Luis!
Very good documentary ! Thank you very much. I just came back from 6 months as a volunteer in a fundation in Morazán. Your job is really authentic and I just loved hearing these people again. They are so helpful and enjoying life the way they have it. Working for their futur, living day to day.
Sadely I am afraid that the corona crisis will afect the country in the long term, and slow the development...
Saludos a todos, desde la Suiza
Thanks for watching from Switzerland! The virus will have a huge effect on the El Salvador I just hope politicians don't go back to their old ways of getting richer while the country suffers.
Most of El Salvador's people depend on family living outside the country to remain outside the poverty line, in a global recession and with massive unemployment in North America especially, a lot of people in El Salvador will be in trouble.
What type of volunteer work were you doing in Morazán?
@@WillRamirez Yes for sure, national and international solidarity will be needed.
I was working in www.consciente.ong/ , a fundation working in education. I had the opportunity to share with local teachers as I am one as well. Now they still work from home making videos to help children with their scholarwork.
That’s sounds amazing. I will check out that organization. Would love to either volunteer Or donate to an organization doing work in El Salvador.
I just love the growing pride and love of the new generations for their own country!
Excelente documental, un saludo desde Halifax de un colombiano,
Yo naci en Los Angeles ,California i creci en Montreal i aun asi soy 100% salvadorena my blood is Salvadorian pipil all the way no matter where you grow you cant change that . I lo mas importante my parents me transmitieron esa amor por mis raices i yo se lo e transmitido a mis hijos
Pipil are pure indigenous people. If you are dark skin, spiky hair you might be pipil.
💙💙
MUY BUEN DOCUMENTAL... DE MI TAN SUFRIDO PAIS, HOY POR HOY ESTAMOS VIENDO LA LUZ AL FINAL DEL TUNEL , SALUDOS
Beautiful footage. I was like that too when relatives called from El Salvador. I was insecure about my Spanish, and I didn't know what to say. Don't be so hard on yourself. Thank you so much for this.
Thank You Ana! I am so happy my mom made sure to teach me to read and write in Spanish, I am much more confident today than I was as a kid. Happy New Year!
thankyou so much this opened my mind about my papa's culture
Happy to have helped you learn more about your heritage.
Quiero decir te q este documental me impresionó mucho me recordó a mi abuelo, asi era la gente de antes amables trabajadores y muy respetuoso alguna ves me toco hacer algo asi para el colegio en Los Angeles yo te doy un A+
Muchas Gracias Ron! Feliz Año Nuevo!
This is such a good documentary
Muy inteligente el abuelo 👌
inteligente y sabio
Great job hermano! Such a good doc!
Thanks sis! Love you!
Muy bonito documental
Gracias!
This is the history of most Salvadorans .
New subscriber ❤ this! And it def is a Salvadorian thing to give you directions by markers on the road y cuando llegues a la casa de color azul a la izquierda ect....😅 I was there 2 yrs ago to visit my grandma and seeing you with your grandpa made me shed a 😥
Thanks for watching and subscribing Vanessa. In those remote villages without roads markers and the bare minimum of what can be called a 'road' the only way to give directions is with landmarks. Its so obvious for someone from there, but as you can see, not so so easy for someone not familiar with the region.
I am sorry to report that this passed Wednesday, my grandfather passed away. He would've been so happy to know how much hs story resonated with so many people around the world. I will always be so grateful for that the and conversation had with him, and happy that I was able to share his wonderful spirit with everyone who watched this doc.
Thank you!
👏👏👏👍👍❤️🙏bravo bravo rica comida
El Salvador es un país maravilloso su jente,cultura,comida es un paraíso es bello mi pulgarcito lo amo después con la deportación de Estados Unidos cuando deportaron a los pandilleros otro problema esa plaga se iso grande porque no ubo control los dejaron crecer y reproducirse ahora gracias se están control ando las maras terroristas por el buen trabajo del presidente Bukele y su gobierno
What’s the song around 19:00 ? Please ?
Mi Viejo
unfortunately they guy who told you the "history" of the country was just destructive version of the communists, he didnt tell you that the guerrilla was cruel as the army.
I understand that atrocities were committed on both sides. Like in many wars, 2 sides battle for power and control, and it is the people who suffer. I never wanted to get into a left vs. right argument in the documentary, but instead just show how the people suffered, many were killed, and many of us had to leave our home.
I understand that Roberto's perspective was left leaning, when discussing the war, and if what I was trying to do was tell the story off the war by itself I would have made sure to include a counter-balance perspective.
Maybe you can refer me to someone who can represent the perspective of the government ini the future, because there is a lot I would love to ask them. Thanks so much for watching and taking the time too leave a comment.
It is true that both sides committed atrocities but that doesn't mean that there was not a disproportionate amount of violence inflicted by the army. There are numerous reports made for the US congress with plenty of details on the activities of both sides. There are reports filed withbthe United Nations from third parties as well. These are serious academic studies.
I'm Mexican and grew up in Chicago..didn't know any people from El Salvador until I moved to L.A. They are some of the warmest, friendliest hard working people I ever met. God bless El Salvador.
Did they know you were Mexican and were still warm and friendly to you? lol
Thanks for watching Joey!
@@WillRamirez lol Yea of course..I'm talkng about people I have gotten to know on a personal level.
Las apariencias engańan wey!!
@@WillRamirez
Of course they knew wtf are you asking ??
Live life be happy be optimistic.
I am Salvadorean came to USA when I was in High School. My best friend was Mexican.
I f&cking loved the fool.
El Salvador es increíble, soy Mexicano y tuve la suerte de ir y darme cuenta de lo bello que es; su gente y geografia son bellísimas. Compartimos una historia hermana con sed de justicia que pronto la conseguiremos ✊🏿
Gracias Javier. Mexico es aun lindo país también. saludos desde Canada
Que gusto ver que no todos la mexicanos piensan mal sobre ES 👍🏼🙏🏽
@@hablemosde.7277 - La mayoría de Mexicanos no somos tan cerrados y racistas. Se les quiere mucho. E tenido la oportunidad de viajar por diferentes países en Centroamérica y que chulada, quede encantada. Muchos hablan mal pero no se han dado la oportunidad de conocer el país, la cultura y su comida.
@@soniac.3240 que bien por vos,yo vivo en California y créeme que no todos piensan cómo vos 🤷🏻♂️ lo peor es que se expresan mal de los Centroamericanos y no saben de que hablan pero bueno! Sos una persona diferente del montón 👍🏼
@@hablemosde.7277 - Lo siento mucho. La ignorancia se le nota a varios paisanos míos lamentablemente. Lo entiendo ya que vivo en California también. Para mi todos somos iguales y como tal, cada quien aporta algo nuevo y lindo de su país. Como mencioné, visite El Salvador y me encanto su comida, sus paisajes y su gente. Muchos que hablan mal no se saben lo que dicen y se les olvida que como nosotros hemos sufrido como inmigrantes también los hermanos centroamericanos sufren igual. Creo en la hermandad entre países, la tolerancia, el respeto y mas que nada el tener compasión por el ser humano.
Will, my family left in 1981 at the beginning of the civil war...how many sleepless nights we spent underneath our beds for safety, cant even count. yet never had the courage like you to go back, with our new president i can't wait to go back, can't wait to see and revisit memories i have within me and see how beautiful El Salvador is. Will this short film touched me deeply and for that thank you so much,
I was in El salvador in Jan 2018 and Dec 2019 to reconnect with family that i had not seen or heard from in 35+ years
Wow i remember going under the bed for safety bullets flying i left in 1988
Daniel Melendez you’re so right the ambience is so different
I left El salvador in 88
I remember eating under our dinner table and if we left the house to the grocery store we would tie a white rag onto the truck .
Can i ask what was the white flag used for ? @@cevallosgalvan
I'm a salvadoreña Canadian. My parents inmigrated in the 80 because of the war. Is nice to see there is more salvadorean like me
There are more Salvadorans outside El Salvador than in the country. There are millions like you, and a lot here in Canada. You are never alone. Have you ever gone back to El Salvador?
O have gone about 3 times but nothing is the same today technology is everywhere in El Salvador special phone back in the days you would have to go to the phone company and make the call but you have brought memories thanks again for the videos
Vancouver BC From Ahuachapan
Same my family immigrated to LA during the 80s Bc of the war. Our people are strong we can survive anything!
Same as me my moms from Mexico but my grandparents are from El Salvador they went to Mexico then moved to Toronto
I can't tell you how grateful I am for you making this documentary, not only because you beautifully captured the sights and sounds of El Salvador and its people, but also because you have brought together a community of people who can share their stories. I was born in the US in '97, so I'm younger than most here in the comment section. However, my mom grew up during the war, out in the countryside picking coffee. My uncle and grandfather, for reasons I will never know, went off to fight for the government. They both died in the war. My grandmother, like your late grandfather, was illiterate for most of her life. All of this would seem to put people down, but no, the Salvadoran is resilient. I've visited more than a dozen times, and every Salvadoran you meet will greet you with a smile, crack a joke, and offer to be of some help. It's a beautiful country and its people deserve better than what they have endured for centuries.
I felt this in my core. My father came to the USA undocumented in 82. I have so much family still there that I don’t know. When you said you didn’t talk to your abuelo cause of your Spanish I cried because I too lost so much time and connection for that very reason. Thanks for taking us on this journey with you. We need more of these stories.
Thanks for the kind words Victoria! It was an honour telling this story because I know it is the story of so many of us.
I'm going through the very same things with my kids,
I try and try to teach them where I come from the place i was born and how hard it's and all we've been through to be where we are now,
My kids don't really care when I talk to them about my parents their lack of communication Cuz of the language barrier all they the very few times they talk to my parents all they say is si, bien, and that's it,
I die to get them more involved in things from where I'm but they are so disoriented about all what has to do related to my background.
That part when he said kot talking to his grandpa Cuz of his poor Spanish its what's going on with my kids and they don't value how important is for me to have my parents alive and enjoy them while I can .
This is funny frijoleros trying and pretending not to speak spanish, I have Caucasian people that speaks spanish.
I have met Salvadoran people that look Caucasian and Colombian people, Mexican people and Argentine people that those people you see them on the street they pass by Caucasian people and I see you on the street and to me you look straight out Paisa
This is the part that I connected to the video the most. My grandpa would come once every year to the US. But my grandma barley started coming once I was 19-20 but I can’t talk to her the way I talk to my grandpa.
My parents left El Salvador in the mid 70’s in search for a better life in the United States. I visited the country for the first time in 2015 and I loved it. My Salvadoran girlfriend back then took me all over the country. I enjoyed it’s beauty and people made me feel at home.
HELLO EVERYONE!!!! I'm German American living currently in Ilopango, San Salvador, EL SALVADOR. And I Love it here.Sadly the trash everywhere is heartbreaking but the food and the people are absolutely amazing. El Salvador esta super bonito y gracias por un buen Presidente Bukele esta mejorando poco a poco. ❤Pupas😆
2/10/21 Hermano que buen documental sobre tu tierra, soy de México y vine a los Estados Unidos a los 14 años a principios del año 2000, ahora tengo 35 pero me identifico mucho con tu historia, lamentablemente ya no tengo a ninguno de mis abuelos vivos pero bueno, esa es otra historia, bendiciones. ME LLEGA DICEN LOS DE TU PAIS.
10/2/21 Brother, what a good documentary about your land, I am from Mexico and I came to the United States at the age of 14 at the beginning of the year 2000, now I am 35 but I identify a lot with your story, unfortunately I no longer have any of my grandparents alive but hey, that's another story, blessings.
No estás solo hermano. Estoy llorando contigo. Mis padres me enviaron a estudiar en USA 1/4/80. He estado fuera de mi país por 44 años. Mi vida está aquí en WIsconsin, un pedazo de mi corazón siempre estará en El Salvador ❤😢
Estoy llorando al ver este video.(llegue a Canada en el 87,vivo en paz pero extrano mi tierra querida) EL SALVADOR!!!!
No llores mi hermano! No estas solo!
@@WillRamirez
Estimado Will, quiero expresar mi gratitud, por haber hecho este video...He vivido en California, por "medio siglo" (Y aunque he regresado numerosas veces;) hace ya, mucho tiempo desde la última vez que visité el terruño...(Razones poderosas d familia dificultan viajar.) Your video in it's simplicity and espontaniety, has been a joy to watch.❤🤗 While am sure your technique has evolved, as it has been 4 yrs. since, I believe. Am just glad to have run into it by chance... Loved, loved your Grandpa.! Good on you, for allowing yourself the gift of sharing with him (and the world,) A LIFE WELL LIVED.!
Saludos.
❤ 🤝 🇸🇻
Yo llevo 3 meses en eeuu y extraño mi país ya no veo el día que regrese a mi patria mi tierra y mi gente
No llores ! Te puedes regresar es tu país.Canadá es deprimente y solitario.
Pues vez a verla
Beautiful shots of everything. Archived footage, drone/camera shots, interviewing... just wow. Took a lot of time and dedication for this one. You definitely helped me become more culturally aware of El Salvador. What's good about this is you can pass this information down to your kids now because YOU did this video. Very good job Will!
Thanks Gilly! It was definitely a lot more work than any other videos on my channel. Going to try to do one bigger film like this a year in addition to the regular vlogs and travel content
@@WillRamirez I would imagine it's a lot of work. You're not fully enjoying the moment because you have a job to do. But it was completely worth it actually!
im a mexican-salvidorian American teen I dont know much about El Sal other than what my mom has said. This really taught me a lot
Glad you learned a lot Emma. I hope you keep learning about both sides of your heritage. Both Mexico and El Salvador have such a rich culture and history.
You should go to El Salvador 🇸🇻 is very nice 👍
I'm exactly like you! My mom is Mexican and my dad is Salvadorian . I have always visit Mexico but my dad hasn't taken my to El Salvador. So I have very little knowledge of my dad's country.
I'm exactly like you and Mexican- Salvadorian American. I plan on going next year to El Salvador and I'm really looking forward to it. Hopefully you'll get the chance to travel to El Salvador one day.
@@josea.martinez2234 I’m the same too but my dad is Mexican and my mom is from El Salvador, but somehow I am still really light skin and i am most likely going to visit El Salvador in the summer. It’s going to be the first time I actually get to meet my moms side of the family. I currently live in Texas, though I moved here from Cali a year ago. Can’t wait
.... it’s going to be difficult due to the fact that I barely know Spanish and I’m 15😅
This was such a beautiful documentary.
Both of my parents are from El Salvador . I’ve been to El Salvador a couple times , and it’s such a beautiful country with such beautiful soulful people . Truthfully i teared up a little watching you talk with you grandpa , both of my grandparents from both sides are no longer here . I miss them so much , they’re so gentle & full of wisdom . Being a salvadorian descendent here in the US is prideful . I’m proud of where I come from , I’m proud of the blood that runs in my veins . This documentary was inspiring , we as salvadorians are strong , powerful , beautiful people . May god keep giving wisdom to our current president Nayib Bukele to keep bringing justice to our people . Then again thank you for this beautiful documentary. Much love 🇸🇻 🤍
Thanks you Clara! We are indeed a beautiful people. I hope Salvadorans everywhere can celebrate their heritage.
Itsclara beautiful words!
Leftist Canadian propaganda.
Beautiful beautiful words. Totally agree,❤️ myself and my two children have so much Salvadoran pride. 🇸🇻🇬🇧
keep giving wisdom to ukele"??? when did it even started? with all respect, he has no wisdom at all. I just moved a month ago to Canada, thank God we had the chance to do so, but life is getting more difficult by the day because of this gvt, and gang problem is getting bigger because of a new tregua, maras are getting more and more power. Its a shame for such a beautiful country and brave people but that is the actual truth.
So Sorry for your loss Will ,what I enjoyed the most about your film is the fact that you don't show the Modern areas of El Salvador ,the Rich and Wealthy neighborhoods ,the beautiful Malls and Urban Areas which sometimes are even better and more luxurious than the ones in many cities of the USA and Canada ,but instead you focused on reuniting and meeting your family ,your humble roots ,the lifestyle and simplicity of beautiful hard working people in the country side ...Your Abuelo was an amazing human being ,his good heart and beautiful soul runs in your blood !!God bless you my Brother,greetings from SanFran 🙏🇺🇸🇸🇻🇨🇦
Hey my friend I came to USA in 1979 Thanks to my mother. I’m 51 years old and people often ask me why do you always said your are Salvadoran! When you have live here in the USA ❤️all your life ! My answer is I’m proud to be Salvadoran 4ever! That’s is where I was born 🙏
No matter how long you are away or how young you were when you left, being in El Salvador will always feel like home.
Excellent documentary! I'm a Salvi American from NY. I can relate your journey in many ways. The last time I saw my Papa Geronimo, before he passed on, was in the mid 90's, he gave me a big hug and I felt he didn't want to let go. It was quite an emotional moment in time that I will always remember. Although our elders are no longer with us in the physical, our memory of them is what keeps them alive. We are their descendents, and am sure they'd be proud to see how far we've progressed. Their is still much work to be done, but the future is bright! We must keep our culture and traditions alive, and learn from our history... it can only make us a stronger people. Thank you for sharing and many blessings!
I'm a Salvadoran-American from NYC too.
Salvi is the most abysmal nickname i have ever heard.
17 years, it took me 17 years to go back to El Salvador and it's so incredibly amazing how the neighbors still remember me. I felt so welcome and I visited so many places and never for a moment felt in danger.
Hace 3 años ya habían disminuido las pandillas !!?? Saludos desde México 🇲🇽
THIS WAS BEAUTIFUL, I am Salvadoran-Belgian and am looking to learn more about my heritage. I recognized so much from your history and this brings me closer to understanding my history, thank you for making this documentary and showing this. I'm so grateful to have found this. ☀️💜
Thanks so much Monica! I have never met a Salvadoran-Belgian! That's so cool! There is so much more about our history that I wish I could have included in this documentary and seeing comments like this makes wish I had. Maybe one day I will do a follow-up because I love telling these stories and sharing them with Salvadorans all around the world!
I'm planning a trip to El salvador soon would be great to go with people that Haven't been there before and explore it. I was born in NY even though I grew up in El Salvador last time I was there was 21 years ago.
Belgium? How did you even get there?
Using this video to teach my Heritage classes tomorrow. Very well done. I hope they can take something away from it. Thank you for your work.
That’s awesome. Let me know how it goes. Thanks for watching. 😀
Will Ramirez it went very well today. All being said about 60 kids watched the video on their own. They’re teens who are a growing up a lot like you. The most profound comments came from students who identified with the issue of not communicating with their grandparents and elders as they should because of embarrassment of their Spanish. Here’s a link to the exercise. I think I’ll be using it for years to come. Thank you for your video and perspective.
edpuzzle.com/media/5f62e656a629f840e5305200
Thank you for letting me know how you are using this as a teaching tool. It’s honestly so humbling to know it could be used this way and helping other kids identify with their culture.
Will Ramirez I’ve been sharing it with quite a large group of Heritage teachers and they love it! With virtual teaching the way it is right now we are always looking for resources like this. Today alone I had 5 teachers from other parts of the country message me about this video, wanting to use it in their classes.
That’s so cool.
Going to El Salvador for the first time. This short film resonated with me.
Wow, this resonates with me. 1st gen in Toronto too and only recently went back. There was definitely a gaping hole my my own history that I felt too. Thank you for this. I don’t feel so alone anymore now watching this and seeing all the comments of people that share this similar journey. Good to have hope in our roots and home.
You are so welcome Maria. Thank you for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. You don't ever need to feel alone, there are so many of us who have felt that disconnect in who we are and where we came from. I hope I was able to fill that gaping hole for you even a little bit and make you feel less alone.
Not your not alone i live in Toronto as well and when ever i spot a video o documental about el Salvador IT brings me memories back when i was little kid and my chidhood in my village.
Where in Toronto Toronto you live about?
Todos los milenios necesitan un toque de realidad para que sientan en carne propia lo que nosotros vivimos y en especial las victmas de guerra y entonces habrá cambios en ellos bienvenido a nuestro mundo
Will, what a wonderful documentary. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about your own experiences of El Salvador. I was adopted from El Salvador to the UK in 86 and for much of my life knew little of my home nation. I made my first visit back in 2016 & plan another in a year or two. I am soooo proud of my roots as I suspect you are too right? 😊 🇸🇻
You are absolutely right Natalie, I am very proud of my heritage, and am constantly reminded that the resilience, strength, and spirit of the Salvadoran people is within me too and is within you too! Thanks for watching and taking the time to share a bit of your story with me. So cool to hear from Salvadorans around the world.
I love this documentary. The chef, your grandfather, and you Will are my heroes of the story. I was born in El Salvador, I live in the US now, but I go back every year. To the Salvadorans who haven't been back, I will highly recommend to visit the homeland, and reconnect with yourselves/culture. While there, please support the local economy: stay at family hotels/bed & breakfast, family restaurants, go to the markets, not the supermarkets, and please bring back some lovely "artesanias". We have a beautiful country, the best part -- our people -- who need our support. Buen viaje paisanos!
American intervention has always been an issue since the days of the Monroe Doctrine. This is the reason why El Salvador has never been stable in terms of government and finances. We dont even have a national currency anymore. Imperialism has penetrated the very fabric of our countrymen. The military aid in the late 1970’s went from sending military advisors, to training soldiers in US soil to literally training mercenaries to kill our own people because American policies dictated Central America would be another Cuba. From Ronald Reagan to Obama, American politics have played an important role in Salvadorian politics.
Sad that a country like ours has been mismanaged and everyone except our people has had a saying in how things should be done without asking our people. There has been blatant political theft and American government has not been able to go after the very government’s they put in place.
This is foolish commentary and you clearly have no idea what the U.S. has done, and continues to do, for ES. Without U.S. aid ES would still be existing in the dark ages.
@@bloodstriper3649 i totally understand that the USA provides loans and aid to the country. Do not misunderstand what i am saying. Aid is good bit when that aid interfieres with the politics of the country to the point ES does not even have its own currency? How is that ok? Did you live in the country during the early years of the war? Dont you remember when Batayon Atlacat committed mass murder in occidente? Who do you think trained the military death squads? President Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan political at the expense of American taxes. The USA has trained many military like in the phillipines when Imelda marcos rules, it was because the American government felt she was the best fit for their needs and the same goes for EL.
@@bloodstriper3649 Anyone who is eager to make the US look like saviours to countries like El Salvador is just plain ignorant or blind. If you educated yourself and spoke with those who had to live with the consequences of the "help" provided by the U.S. to El Salvador over the years, you'd know it has been like a Cancer. I know of relatives who were killed by the death squads trained by the U.S in the 80`s just because they could. People who lived in the countryside and did not want to join either side of the war but they just were trying to make a living. Our people have now become alienated by the U.S. mentality and unfortunately some younger citizens have no idea what the war years were like and don't see where the country is headed if we continue to let the U.S. mingle with it. El Salvador has such potential to be a great country but I' wonder if it may be too late to change people's attitude as a great majority just follow without actually using their brain to really think. Our Salvadorean citizens have learned a lot of consumerism from the U.S and continue with a superficial mentality focused on individual gain rather than focus on the greater good for ALL Citizens, that is an American trait. All Salvadorean Governments follow that pattern too as corruption is a given with each govenment in power no matter what. If you pay attention to how corrupt Governments in El Salvador are, you`d notice that each time there is a tragedy our governments always ask for MONEY claiming it is for our people and NEVER use it for the people who really need it. It's really sad as I said before, El Salvador would be so different if people worked toward the same goal instead of having the attitude that is now part of the culture brought by countries that include the U.S. So in some ways, I do see it in the dark ages now regardless of how much technology and influence they have from the U.S.
I wanted to share how impactful this documentary was to me. Soy SalvaMex. Mi padre es de México y mi madre nació en Sonsonate. I've been to El Salvador twice when i was younger and never really bothered to learn the history, culture, or anything about El Salvador. I know what it's like to have that internal struggle of wanting to connect with your roots but being insecure about your Spanish or how you fit in. I just wanted to say thank you for the effort you put into this. I will definitely pursue connecting more with my grandparents before it's too late. RIP to your grandfather Will. And thx to anyone who read this :)
This was amazing. Just like you, I am a first gen. Canadian who was completely detached from my salvadorian identity. It was interesting to really hear about the history about the country and why the things happened, happened.
I'm glad I found this.
Saludos desde Ontario.
So glad you learned something from this. Putting those pieces of our heritage together is important for everyone. We don't often get to see Salvadorans on TV and film so we end up identifying with the general "latino" culture, but there is much more that makes us uniquely Salvadoran that we need to celebrate!
@@WillRamirez For sure! By the way, what is the restaurant's name run by the guy in your video? When I go next, I want to check it out.
Its called Raiz. follow them on IG to know when they have upcoming dates. raizrestaurant.com/
Siempre hay manera de regresar al terruño, como dice el dicho, preguntando se llega a Roma
That’s the real salvadorans people bro.. asi somos los salvadoreños para dar direcciónes pero esa es nuestra mejor época de personas amables, humildes y trabajadores
For real.... In USA still we do that in giving directions..lol
Has no connection with his salvy roots what else do you expect
Este hombre no tiene coneccion salvadoreña, llorando por la direccion la gente linda le ayudo a sacar su carro no sabe manejar, tu espñol y muy bueno y sigue llorando para todo que verguenza. .
Me siento orgulloso de ser salvadoreño y que vos te sientas orgulloso también, es bueno des a conocer las cosas que tiene nuestro país saludos cordiales desde San Vicente
Will Ramirez Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss. This is an amazing Documentary and having your grandfather makes more special... Like you I arrived to the USA Virginia in 1984 I was 7 years old .....Our Country its beautiful with hard working people....Thank you again!!!
Thanks for watching!
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🔥🇸🇻 que cool saber que hay gente que no se avergüenza de sus raices, te felicito bro 👍🏼
Very good documentary 👍... like u are so many dreamers...now I lived in Europe..I grow up in 🇺🇸 lived in el salvador also...im salvadorean/ American
Wow this film was amazing! Took me back to my childhood. Your grandfather reminded me of mine, watch our video “Don Miguel”. Great work!!
Thanks. I just watched your video for "Don Miguel" and checked out some of your other work. AMAZING. Do you guys still live in El Salvador? Next time I am there we should connect!
Big CS fan.... but where y'all been?
Beautiful documentary. I was born in El Salvador but came to the US when I was 3 due to the war. My parents never really talk about the war besides the story of them fleeing the country but then again I’ve never really asked what it was like for them. Now that they are getting older I want to know more. Thanks for sharing your beautiful story, it really made me miss El Salvador. I haven’t gone back for 10 years now and so much has changed.
Hi sophia sánchez. Things have changed a lot .i went back to El Salvador 8 years ago after being away for about 12 years and yes .things have changed so much .saludos desde new york. Naci y creci en el departamento de La Union
Not me crying when you were talking about your grandpa. I have no grandparents left. I felt all that and more. I never got a chance to hear their stories. Never learnt my history from them. It makes me sad.
I am so sorry to hear that. I knew that would be my last chance to see him and I am so happy I did before he passed away. His story is like so many others in ES, so I am happy to share his story with you.
Will, such a great documentary.
I'm 2nd gen; born and raised in Toronto and so very proud of my Salvadorian roots. My parents moved to Toronto months before I was born (85').
I'm one of the fortunate ones that didn't experience the civil war, but I have been to El Salvador every 2-3 years since I was born. 2019 being the latest.
I'm that guy that spends my time convincing my family and friends to go to El Salvador as they are too scared or not interested to go...
Anywho, that portion of you and your abuelito brought back a lot of good memories I had with my abuelos from my dads side who have passed. As well as, realizing I'm not taking advantage of my abuelos from my moms side who are still here. Very eye opening to make sure I call them to see how they are doing and spend more time with them when I go back. Even just ask questions to find out more of my heritage.
Gracias for making this documentary and representing El Salvador in a postive way. I'm hoping there is a part 2 in the works? lol
I also hope that will goes back,. It seemed like you still haven't spent enough time there. Yo soy madre de 2 hijas nacidas en Toronto, llegué acá en 1986, sin manera de critical, pero creo que sus padres, debieron poner un poco mad de dedicacion a educarse más con respect a nuestra cultura.
Mi familia y yo vamos a El Salvador por lo menos cada 2 años, mis hijas están enamoradisimas del País, nos hemos propuesto conocer lo más que podamos, "es hermoso". Y no solo voy con mi núcleo familiar, sinó también he llevado a toda mi familia que viven fuera del país, sin mencionar que mi esp I so es Sur Americano y quiere que nos retiremos en El Salvador.
No me podía esa canción que linda!!! Soy Salvadoreña y amo mi país también. Gracias por este hermoso reportaje.
Nice to know there are Salvadoran Canadians. I was fortunate to be raised in Los Ángeles in a community with a lot of Salvadoran families. My mom would send me in the summers to El Salvador and some if my best memories as a child. It was towards the end of the war and during the peace talks. I remember the blackouts and living near a military compound.
A new El Salvador is raising and we can be part of that growing with our knowledge and experiences
Eu também tive a mesma experiência. Só que a minha família veio ao Brasil.
obrigado!
Directions were given for a Salvadorean living in El Salvador, not for a Salvadorean raised abroad 😅
Bello nuestro país El Salvador
Fue triste esa mentada guerra civil pura muerte hoy aqui en USA ay casi 3 millones de salvadoreños en Canada muchos Australia Italia Costa Rica etc
I loved this short documentary. I’m a first generation American via El Salvador. I didn’t know much about the country until 2018 when I was curious about what group I descended from. I fell in love with our Native American history. It’s a very unique one with the Mayans and the pipils who are descendants of the Aztec & Toltecs. Is your wife Salvadoran? What’s it like growing up in Canada as a Salvadoran as well?
Thanks for watching Darius. We have a beautiful, though often troubled, history. Growing up in Canada I had a lot of family around since I have a very large extended family on both sides and many of us came to Canada and some to the U.S. The only time I heard anything about El Salvador it was negative from the news, or fearful from family. Every time we would go to El Salvador we wouldn't do much other than visit family because my parents were too scared to do anything. This always annoyed me. As I have traveled the world with my wife I have become a bold and conscious traveler and decided to go back and not let fear drive the trip. It was incredible. So many beautiful moments with strangers, amazing culture and food. I finally felt like I understood my country a bit more.
My wife is not Salvadoran. She is a first generation Pakistani-Canadian.
Will Ramirez
The crime rate has fallen drastically since the new president took over. I think the country is on to something
Let’s hope so. The wonderful people of El Salvador deserve to live in peace and not fear.
You are wrong about our indigenous history, cause is El Salvador the birth place of mesoamerica indigenous history. inclusivebusiness.typepad.com/indigenous_elsalvador/timeline/
@@emclful did you read the article? All of that is based off assumptions not facts.
El Salvador . One love . Lets all do what we can to make things better for everyone . One action can lead to many reactions .lets make them positive and enjoy the results. El Salvador is a gem of the Americas. We either make it for all of us or they will see what it is and take it again .
Beautiful piece. The conversation with your abuelo was very touching!
Thanks so much for watching! It was a very special moment I will never forget.
Muchas lagrimas me salieron por que nosotros somos de esas zones y nunca pudemos salur del comflicto y tuvimos que pelear por unos años pero mas es la Alegria de ver llegar a un niño que se fuè y regresa adulto y bilingüe bendito sea Dios
Con mucho amor por todos los que salimos antes de echar raizes en nuestra tierra, y para todos aquellos que dejamos. Muchas familias separadas, y amistades rotas. Me da mucho animo ver los comentarios las reacciones a esta obra. Muchísimas gracias, y saludos desde Canada.
Thank you for making this documentary. I am of Salvadorean descent and born in Los Angeles, CA. My mom left El Salvador during the civil war in 1983. I don't quite understand the history but you have brought a little more understanding and interest in researching more on the country that I essentially come from. My mother was an orphan and left to the U.S. and never went back. I have never been there but I have so many questions hope to have the opportunity to experience El Salvador too one day. Anyways, thank you.
Thanks for sharing your story Mirna! I am so happy that my story may have helped you understand a little bit more about our country. I hope you have the chance to see this beautiful country for yourself one day.
I share almost the same experience, dad in the military, my mom left el salvador when i was a baby to come to America. I visited el salvador for the first time in 2013 to visit my other family, an fell in love with my Roots. Great Video.
Grandioso y conmovedor documental. Sobretodo la parte del encuentro con su Abuelito. El mensaje de este documental es Infinitamente impactantante. Ud logro decir más de lo hablo. El futuro de El Salvador es brillante porque los salvadoreños son gente especial y linda. Lo felicito por este you tube.
This is amazing!! Que hermoso documental sobre tus orígenes y el amor que se queda atrás al emigrar y sea por decisión de nuestros padres o la nuestra propia como fue mi caso. Y eso es verdad El Salvador es más que Pupusas o pandillas es una tierra de gente digna, luchadora y llena de esperanzas. Abrazos y bendiciones desde New York. Dios bendiga a El Salvador 🇸🇻
My family also came to California because of the war. We are from San Miguel. Los Angeles is filled with so much culture. I love my people.
Great video. I was born in D.C., raised by my grandparents in El Salvador from 6 months old to 7 years old. Haven’t gone back since but am dying to go back. I am now a Real Estate agent and my niche is helping fellow Salvadorans become homeowners. Thank you so much for the trip down memory lane. I will be subscribing and look forward to your next piece of art.
Hi Edgar. I hope you get the chance to go back soon. Thats so great that you are helping Salvadorans become home owners. Thanks for watching and subscribing hope you had a Merry Christmas and have a happy new year.
Man I’m so glad you found your culture bro. Salvi pride hermano.
Me conmueve l humildad y pobreza de l gente... yo que tu hubiera regalado un par de $ pesos a la gente que amablemente te dió información de las ubicaciones. No tenes idea de lo que eso significa para muchos... también los animalitos! Te invito a apadrinar estudios y/o rescate, castracion y alimento de animales
Una guerra absurda🥲 yo nací en noviembre de 1984 en chalatenango en chálate fue terrible no tengo recuerdos de la guerra , pero mis papás me cuentan q fue duro cerca de la casa 🏠 caían bombas 💣 hasta arenas caían en nuestros techo 🥲
This was so good! I’m so proud of you 👍🏽😍💕😭
Saludos un gusto y placer haver visto tu vidro es muy interesante yo soy Salvadoreño y vivo aqui en USA desde niño y nunca he podido ir pero no pierdo la fé que pronto hire, nuestro pais es esmoso y esta cambiando mucho y cambiara mucho mas Dios te bendiga
Mis ojos se llenaron de lágrimas cuando llego el abuelo al encuentro,yo nunca tuve esa oportunidad con mis abuelos.
Esta bonito el documental 👌
Miles de personas nacidas en El Salvador, pero crecimos en otros países. 🇸🇻
Excelente documental de nuestro país,
Saludos desde Santa Ana, El Salvador.
Vivo en Estados Unidos y emigre a los 14 años en 2001. Ya a mis 32 años cada ves que veo vídeos así los veo con un nudo en mi garganta. Extraño mi tierra. Y aunque soy legal y puedo viajar cuando quiera.. con el simple hecho de estar lejos siento un vacío enorme.
This is a beautiful documentary of your family’s journey Will. I am so sorry for the loss of your grandfather. He seemed really happy and proud to have you with him when you visited. You gave him that gift.
I left El Salvador to the US with my family at the beginning of the war and have never gone back!
Soy salvadoreña, y me encantó ver este documental, mitad español, y mitad inglés. Vivo en EUA, pero mi país donde nací tiene tantas historias, que me delieto escucharlas y ver esos paisajes tan bonitos. Gracias por el documental!❤❤❤
This was an awesome doc. I am a first-generation Salvadoran Canadian. My dad, his brothers and grandparents fled during the war after my grandpa who I am named after was killed by the military. They settled in Alberta and outside of my one uncle have never left.
I along with my whole family were lucky enough to go and visit El Salvador back in 2012 and that will be a memory I will have forever. I was also lucky enough to meet my Grandma.
But man those directions you were getting reminds me of the way my dad gives directions when he's in the passenger seat when I'm driving🤣🤣.
Saludos de Edmonton.
Thanks for sharing that story. Glad you enjoyed the doc.
I’m also from El Salvador, but came to the U.S. in the early 70’s. My mother brought my brother and I when I was 7 and he was 6. Listening to the song, “Mi Viejo” in this video just about did me in. I remembered most of the words but haven’t heard the song since my childhood. I have been back a couple of times over the years, but my husband and five adult children have never been. I feel it would be safe to visit now! I love my little country.
Wow I’m also Canadian, salvadorena. Who was also born in Canada and I was searching videos of El Salvador in hopes to connect and understand my parents homeland more and connect with my roots. I’m so happy I came across someone that is literally just like me ❤️🇸🇻🇨🇦
There are so many of us here in Canada who were abruptly disconnected from our roots. Thanks for watching!
Hey man! Salvi-american here.
Thanks for this video ! Took me back to the years I lived in El salvador during my teens. Love it!
I wish I was able to go back more often over the years. But now that I am grown I will be back more often.
Hay mi gente bella😍 Aún que estemos lejos de ti Patria querida, lo más profundo de nuestro corazón, Gritara tu Nombre.
Gracia por este hermoso video. La Patria siempre llama. La llevamos en el Alma😍
Excelente!!! Hay grandes esperanzas de que todo va a mejorar muy pronto. Se siente la euforia en la gente.
Loved this. I also left El Salvador as a child and I consider the USA my home but I know El Salvador is where I am from and I love visiting there.
It so cool that there are so many of us spread around the world united by this small country with a big heart.
Thank you for sharing. Your story is amazing and very familiar to me and many others I'm sure.
in your video i saw many smiles on kids faces as well as a peaceful soul from the elders regardless of where they live or what they have. Most kids here in America have no clue of what is important in life. They only worry about what the material things they have or don't have. Life can be difficult in the mother land but us Salvis are stubborn, when life hands us lemons. We just make lemonade
and keep going. Thank you again for documenting. bless you and you'r grandfather.
Estoy impresionada con tú trabajo, te felicito mucho y sigue adelante.
Me hicistes extrañar más a mi pulgarcito 😊 gracias por compartir tú historia con nosotros. 🙏🙏
Gracias Alexa. Feliz Navidad.
@@WillRamirez Muchas gracias por contestar a mi comentario, sigur adelante con tú talento y humildad que es admirable.
Igualmente que pases unas felices fiestas y al rato nos vemos en el Salvador 😜😜
Que bonito documental
Abrazos desde Uruguay
Will, I watched all this documentary and it brought tears to my eyes cuz this is the story of many of us! I feel very identify with this story. As a salvadoreño I still can't understand the reason of all problems in our beautiful country. I guess it is a great chance for us to change that dark side that have caused so much harm in our people!
Deberias hacer más contenido sobre El Salvador te quedo genial. Y sobre lo que mucha gente quiere saber. Sobre todo hoy que la seguridad se ha recobrado pero aun hay temas pendientes como economía.
Me movió sentimientos este corto. Buen trabajo. Más de esto por fa.