Noise (2022) - full transcript
A mother desperately searching for daughter who's been missing for two years.
NETFLIX PRESENTS
[distant unsettling music playing]
[unsettling music grows louder]
NOISE
[unsettling music continues]
[military drumming creeping in]
[atmospheric music takes over]
[ringing]
Hmm...
[sighs softly]
[sniffles]
[exhales]
[door slides open]
[inhales]
[phone chimes]
[exhales sharply]
[phone beeps]
[man] Did you get the email?
Call me. It's urgent.
[phone clatters]
[scraping]
PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
WE DEMAND JUSTICE
TOUCH ONE WOMAN AND WE ALL SPEAK OUT
RAPISTS
MEXICO FEMICIDE
Come on,
they'll let us in from the other door.
[agent] Arturo Bravo Díaz
and Julia Velázquez Noriega?
Can I have your relative's name?
Gertrudis Bravo Velázquez.
[agent] Velázquez. All right.
Age?
I'm sorry. Um, what's this for?
But you're the ones
that asked us to come here today.
[agent] Yes.
[phone chimes and vibrates]
If the energy you all put
into your phones went towards work,
the history of this whole country
would have turned out
completely differently.
Please help me verify
the missing individual's age.
[Julia, irritated] Is it not in your file?
I'm verifying so we don't make
any other mistakes here.
- She's 24 years old.
- Twenty-five.
Yesterday was her birthday.
- [agent] Thanks.
- [keyboard keys clacking]
[agent] Any identifying marks?
A tattoo, yes.
She has it on her lower left arm.
Tattoo? Okay.
[keyboard keys clacking]
Do you have any photographs?
[Julia slaps down picture]
[slides]
[indistinct background chatter]
Okay.
[phone chimes and vibrates]
[phone chimes and vibrates]
Give me a second or two.
Such an asshole!
What happened?
[phone ringing]
It's not Ger.
You can't be serious.
They've had her file for months now.
And the staff at the university
were following up too.
It's not Ger!
Uh, everyone outside, please.
Just for a moment. Come on.
The prosecutor is coming to talk to you.
Please. Wait outside, ma'am.
[man] Just for a moment, please.
[phone continues ringing]
[agent] Please, ma'am, my apologies.
Go with them. We'll be back soon.
[door opens]
[man] Mr. Bravo, Mrs. Velázquez.
[door closes]
I am prosecutor Zamudio Rodríguez.
In the email I had sent you earlier,
I mentioned I was just transferred here.
Now I am in charge
of your daughter's case.
This is the third person that has
taken over our case in just nine months.
[Rodríguez] I just follow orders, ma'am.
Apparently, there was a mistake
in Gertrudis's file.
[gasps softly]
[Rodríguez] We have no record
of anyone with a tattoo like that.
There was a mistake?
[Arturo] After nine months,
now you tell me there was a mistake?
[Rodríguez] I'm really sorry.
[Arturo] You're sorry.
We just want to see her.
- [Rodríguez] Excuse me?
- Let us see her then.
If it's not our daughter,
she's still someone's.
[Rodríguez] No, protocol won't allow it.
Your stupid protocol is what made us
come here to ID her body, though.
If that's not painful enough, then tell me
why the hell are we here, huh?
You can't even get your file straight,
so what the fuck are you here for?!
Tell me!
Those bodies were all found
in a hidden grave.
They have probably been there for a while.
They're in an advanced state
of decomposition.
I don't think it is helpful to expose
yourselves to something like that.
[breathes deeply]
[distant ringing]
[wind blowing]
[ringing intensifies]
[insects chirping and ringing continues]
[chirping and ringing fade]
- [woman] Hello.
- [child] Hello.
- I'm Adriana.
- [woman 2] Hello, Adriana.
[children] Hello, Adriana.
[Adriana] And I'm Mitzi's mother.
[Adriana]
My daughter disappeared two months ago.
WHERE ARE THEY?
[Adriana] One day she left this place,
and we never saw her again.
- [woman] Where did Mitzi disappear? Here?
- [Adriana] Yes.
But they told us
they probably took her somewhere else.
MY DEAR, I'LL NEVER STOP LOOKING FOR YOU
WHERE ARE THEY?
[woman] Thanks, Adriana.
Is there anything else you want to share?
Yeah.
Mitzi's got a sister as well.
Mm.
Adela.
Her twin sister.
They're identical twins.
And Adela is now...
nearly 16 weeks pregnant.
And although I...
buy some clothes and toys, but...
in my heart, I feel so...
tormented.
I never stop telling myself
I should be... be more...
more excited, you know?
I mean, my first grandson.
[inhales]
[voice breaking] And...
I'm embarrassed that... [sniffles]
...that my daughter realizes how
this sadness is always eating at me.
She doesn't say anything.
But I'm aware that, uh...
That it hurts her. [sniffles]
And...
I would like to be able to talk to her
and explain to her,
but then I worry that
this problem is the only, uh...
the only thing that I ever
talk to her about anymore.
And... [sniffles]
I want her to know I'm happy.
That I'm so happy 'cause...
it's my first grandson. [sniffles]
But I also want her to know every time I...
every time I see her belly, I...
I only think about
how her sister's missing.
That's why I get sad. [sniffles]
And then I tell myself that, yes,
I will find her one day.
And she'll also have lots of children.
Well, if she likes, right?
If she doesn't, she doesn't have to.
[Adriana chuckles woefully]
[scribbling]
[Adriana] The truth is that...
[Adriana chuckles softly]
I do feel happy.
But...
But not completely.
[woman] Hi, Adriana.
- Hello.
- I'm Paola.
Agustina's daughter.
I have been looking for her
nearly eight years now.
I think that you'll feel happy
when you meet your grandson.
Truly happy, I think.
That baby is going to give you
a new reason to continue fighting with us.
Because that's what babies do.
[cries softly]
You are not alone.
[women]
You are not alone. You are not alone.
[woman] Welcome, Adriana.
[cries]
Well, I'd like to remind you
that the journalist Abril Escobedo
is joining us today.
- Some of you already know her.
- [women] Hello, Abril.
[woman] She'll be here
taking some notes for her investigation.
- Welcome again, Abril.
- [women] Welcome.
And now we have someone
who has been here before,
but has not joined us in some time.
And today is an important day for her.
- [women] Welcome.
- Welcome, Julia.
Thanks.
[exhales softly]
[clears throat]
I'm Julia.
The mother of Ger.
Gertrudis.
And yes, today's a really important day
because it's been nine months
since we've had any news from her.
[woman] Remind us, Julia.
What's the last thing you heard from her?
[Julia] Ger had just finished her studies
in the university. She's a psychologist.
She wanted to work with... with, uh,
with children who have
problems reading and writing.
She went on a trip with some friends
to celebrate their graduation.
And...
[swallows]
[sniffles] And we've already gone
through the entire legal process.
We've...
We've done everything
the police have requested...
[inhaling deeply]
...spent several weeks
in the place where she disappeared,
uh... [scoffs]
...until we just hit a wall.
All this, on her birthday is...
It feels like I've suddenly
been hit by a train.
[breathes]
Everything just hurts.
And then there's Arturo.
Ger's father.
Always there to help me.
Trying to cope with the situation.
[muttering]
And he cannot understand
that that's not what I need.
And it makes me angry.
It pisses me off that he is being so nice.
[sniffles]
[voice breaks]
I don't need him to be nice.
I just need to know where she is...
Where is my daughter.
[sniffs]
And I... I do understand, yes, I do,
that this is the way he is trying to help.
Um, and I get
he does this 'cause he cares,
uh, about how I'm feeling.
But he needs to understand
that this is not, not at all,
the best for my daughter, Ger.
[cries, swallows]
[sniffles] Missing her hurts so terribly.
[cries]
Today marks nine months...
since I've heard from her.
Ger was always so happy!
[inhales]
And now I don't know where she is.
[swallows, cries softly]
[women, echoing] You are not alone.
You are not alone. You are not alone.
[light switch clicks]
[plaintive music playing]
[continuous buzzing]
[buzzing continues]
Hi, Mom.
Look where I just took a dive
in this waterfall here. And look at you.
There you are in the city, in traffic
with all the pollution. [chuckles]
There's one of my girls,
and there's the other one.
And nothing, Mom. That's it.
I love you very much,
and I'll see you soon.
[brooding music plays]
[Gertrudis, muffled] Oh! And please relax.
My brother told me
you're making the gallery staff...
[door opens loudly]
[footsteps approaching]
[gentle Mexican music
playing in the background]
What is that?
It's embroidery.
[woman] No, no, don't worry.
This is my daughter.
- You like her?
- Mm-hmm.
[woman] Let's see.
Let me check real quick.
Excuse me. Are you Julia?
- Yes.
- [woman] This is Emilia, my daughter.
Nice to meet you, Emilia.
Yes, can I call you back?
Wonderful. Thanks.
[sighs] Oh, I'm sorry.
Couldn't get a babysitter.
[Julia] Here.
[Abril] May I?
Of course.
Sorry.
That's why I brought them.
That there is Ger.
Today they asked us to come
and identify one of the bodies and I...
Love, do me a favor.
Get the waiter to bring a coffee for me
and ask for whatever you'd like.
- Yeah. Sure.
- You'll eat something?
Miss! Hello?
[Julia] I had these catastrophic dreams
when Ger was born
and for a long time after that.
That's what they're called, right?
When you dream
just the worst things happening.
Horrible things.
But... you never truly imagine the worst,
until you get the news that
your daughter has suddenly disappeared.
[Mexican music continues in background]
DAUGHTER OF ARTIST JULIA VELÁZQUEZ
DISAPPEARS WHILE ON VACATION
[Abril] Are you an artist?
I was.
What do you hope to find?
What do you think you want to do next?
[coffee pot whistling]
[cappuccino maker hissing]
[hissing and ringing fades]
[harsh metallic noise]
[distant drilling]
[traffic noise]
[buzzing]
[static]
[Arturo] Hello?
Who is it?
- Come up.
- [buzzing]
[door unlocks]
[screeching]
[door closes]
[children playing in distance]
[Arturo] Hello.
[gasps]
[exhales]
[Julia] Mm.
[Arturo] Hey, have you talked
to the staff at the gallery?
They say they've been looking for you.
I don't know how you're doing financially,
but a little money never hurt anyone.
[inhales]
[Arturo] It doesn't have to be new work.
With what you have in your studio...
[Julia exhales slowly]
[Julia] I'm embroidering for me.
Not for anyone else.
What?
Did it hurt?
[Julia] At least I felt something.
It's Ger's design.
[Arturo] I also feel lost, Julia.
I don't recognize myself.
Every time I try to talk about Ger...
it's as if acid
was burning me from the inside.
Every day, for the last nine months,
I... I wake up and everything hurts so much
that I think I'm not gonna make it.
But death never comes.
[clock ticking faintly]
I'm eaten alive when I imagine
what could be happening to our baby girl.
What they might have done to her.
And today, I was convinced
this was going to be over.
[voice breaks] I wanted it to be her.
[clock keeps on ticking]
[crying softly]
[Julia] We'll have to look for her again.
[Arturo sobs quietly]
[Gertrudis] Hi, Mom.
Look where I just took a dive.
In this waterfall here. And look at you.
There you are in the city, in traffic
with all the pollution. [chuckles]
There's one of my girls.
And there's the other one.
And nothing, Mom. That's it.
I love you very much
and I'll see you soon.
Oh! And please relax.
[harsh ringing]
[muffled] My brother told me
you're making the gallery staff miserable.
You always get like this
before an exhibit,
and everything always works out
because you're awesome!
[ringing fades]
[single piano key echoing]
[knocking]
[clock ticking]
[knocking rapidly]
[inhales deeply]
[desolate piano music playing]
[clocks keeps on ticking]
- [clock continues ticking]
- [sighs softly]
[faint squeaking from door opening]
[door closes]
[door squeaking]
[Arturo breathes in]
[Arturo exhales]
[car drives away]
[desolate music continues]
[ringing]
[unsettling music playing]
[harsh ringing]
[rain pattering]
Ma'am?
Mm.
[inhales]
[phone chimes and vibrates]
Julia, this is Abril. I have news.
I'm in a rush, but I'll look for you later
and I'll tell you all about it, okay?
[thunderclap]
[rain pattering]
[atmospheric music playing]
[atmospheric music continues]
[man] This way, please.
[reporter] And after a huge
national debut, we are back.
It's 9:23 on this beautiful
and sunny Thursday.
And don't forget that we still, yes still,
have several double tickets
for this weekend's...
[man] He'll check you in.
[reporter] Do not miss out on this one.
This will be one for the books.
So grab those double tickets now.
- Just call 433-15-89-11.
- [man] Turn around.
[reporter] Again, call 433-15-89-11.
[man] Cell phones
and computer equipment in the box.
[reporter] ...about the interview
we had yesterday with the local teacher
that came to talk to us
of their experiences,
but well, while we hope
to have them on again to talk some more,
see that some of this gossip will probably
turn out to be nothing more than that,
there still may be a bit of truth to it.
[man] Go ahead.
She's already waiting for you.
[woman] Darling, how are you?
I'm so glad to see you.
[Abril] It's been so long, Cas.
[Casandra] How's your daughter?
She must be so grown up.
[Abril] Yes, she's well.
Thank you very much.
So this is Julia.
[Julia] Thanks for seeing me.
[Casandra] Please, have a seat.
Sit, sit.
[chairs scraping]
[Casandra] Did you bring the file?
[Abril] Here it is.
[papers rustling]
[Abril] Casandra handles
a lot of cases like yours.
That's why she always operates like this.
[Casandra]
Have they not offered you any money?
[Julia] Money?
[Casandra] Government compensation
to get you to back off.
FOUND - FOUND - FOUND
[Julia] No, they haven't
offered me any money.
[papers rustling]
[Casandra] Anything else that is not here?
Anything you're not telling me?
Any details outside the official documents
or something other
than what Abril told me?
[Julia] Yes, there was a report,
but they tried to use it to smear Ger.
MEXICAN REPUBLIC
[Casandra] Mm-hmm.
[Julia] The security cameras from the bar
showed her and her friends going
into the bathroom to snort cocaine.
She was carrying the bag.
And what do you think?
What do I think about my daughter
going missing for partying?
You think you can ask
a mother that question?
No, no, no, no.
I'm sorry. That's not what I meant.
I need to have as much information
as possible to figure out how to help you.
What did the police say?
Ugh.
They repeat it all the time,
as if it was all that matters.
Like she's not worth the trouble to look.
[Casandra] Do you know
anything about her friends?
Mm, they didn't even notice.
They said one minute she was there,
then just gone.
I've known both these girls for years now.
I trust them.
[exhales]
[Julia] It also has been
very difficult for them.
Who's handling your case?
[Julia] They assigned a new prosecutor...
Zamudio Rodríguez. Know him?
Yes, he's the best out there.
Though he's still part of the government.
Have you found all these people?
The truth is that I don't even know
where to start looking.
- [knocking on door]
- [Casandra] Yes?
Excuse me, counselor, it's time to leave.
There's something that you should know.
The police usually look for people
who disappeared only in mass graves.
It's easier to find corpses
than living people.
As you know, in cases like this,
time is very important.
Several months have already passed.
And the area
where your daughter went missing
is in a heavy trafficking area.
I can't say anything for sure,
but because of her physical appearance,
it wouldn't be unusual that
she got caught up in something like that.
They've found security houses
with girls with her profile.
If you'd like,
I could try to put you
in touch with someone.
Or give me some time
so I can get more information.
I'll call you in a few days.
No, I will call you.
Just tell me what to do.
The police there
already know you, I suppose?
[Julia] Yes.
Let 'em know that you're back,
while I get moving with the information
you gave me already.
Always let us know of your location.
Wherever you go.
Tell me anything you find, and take care.
Oh, and don't go
in any vehicle that can be traced.
[birds chirping]
[sizzling]
Here you go.
Thanks.
Eat up.
[video calling app ringing]
[video calling app ringing]
[man] Ma, what happened?
Where are you? Are you okay?
[Julia] All good, my love. Why?
[man] Why?
I've been calling you for days,
and you don't answer the damn phone.
[Julia] Yes, I know. Sorry.
[rain pattering]
[Julia] I met a very good lawyer.
And she'll help us with your sister.
[man] Help how?
Julia?
[sighs]
Pedro.
I'm not doing anything wrong.
I'm looking for your sister.
Well, I just want you to take care of
yourself and tell me where you are, okay?
I'm always careful.
Don't do anything crazy
just because you're sad.
Oh, it's easy for you to talk like that
being where you are.
It was you who pushed me
to even come here in the first place.
It's not something I wanted.
We were afraid is all.
That's why we didn't want you to be here.
I'm also afraid, Ma.
I'm not staying at home all day alone
doing nothing and just waiting.
What the hell am I supposed to do
if something happens to you, huh?
Nothing will happen.
Nothing, okay?
You don't gotta do anything at all.
Don't get angry.
No, no, I'm not, Ma. I'm only worried.
Uh...
Ma, it seems like you...
[sighs] Nothing.
[Julia] What?
Ma...
Tell me.
Ger is my sister too.
You're not the only person hurting.
I'm thinking of her every goddamn day.
I... I miss her every day, and at night
I always break down in tears,
or, who knows, wherever I am
I will just start crying and shaking.
You're so in pain
that you don't even realize
that you're not the only one who lost Ger.
[exhales softly]
Pedro, I'm sorry.
[sighs] I had no idea.
[Pedro] Forget it.
I don't even know why I told you this.
Mom,
seriously,
either you keep me in the loop
about where you are,
or else I'm buying a fucking plane ticket
and bringing you home.
[Julia chuckles softly]
Don't worry, Pedro.
I'll keep you in the loop, okay?
[distant thunder]
I love you.
Me too, Mom.
A lot.
Take care of yourself.
Bye.
[video calling app closes]
[sobbing]
[continues sobbing]
[cries]
[gasps, sniffles]
[whimpers]
[rain pattering]
[bell tolling]
[Julia sniffles]
[exhales]
[bell tolling]
[exhales]
["Perra del Futuro"
by Tomasa del Real playing]
[woman 1] Give me a hand with this.
[indistinct chatter]
[zipping]
- [woman 2] Is everything secured?
- [woman 3] Yes, it's all good.
Hello.
- Hi.
- Can I get a hit?
Yes of course. [chuckles]
Thanks.
Let me see.
LET IT BURN
[Julia] You made this?
[young woman] Yes.
And what's your name?
My name's Liz.
Mm.
Julia.
You're not from here, are you?
[Julia] Hmm-mm.
Are you?
I'm not.
[Julia] And what about them?
[Liz] Most of us come
from different places in the outskirts.
Why are you here?
[Liz] We came to "body up" for the mothers
and other relatives who are inside.
How's that?
[Liz] To support them.
Oh.
[Liz] They've been there since yesterday.
They were in a meeting with
some public officials all day,
who after having them wait
for like, months to see them,
told them their files were missing
and that they should just leave.
And these mothers said
that nobody's gonna leave,
not until they get some answers.
- Mm.
- [Liz] But imagine.
What would you do, then?
- Do you have children?
- Yeah, two.
Pedro and Ger.
Ger?
[chuckling softly] Gertrudis.
But she doesn't like having
such an old-fashioned name.
So she wants us to call her Ger.
We have the same tattoo.
Mm?
- It's so cool.
- [chuckles]
[whistling]
[women shouting]
[Julia] What are you doing?
What? Don't tell me you'd defend
monuments over people?
[women chanting]
Sister you're right, this is your fight!
Sister...!
[somber music playing]
[tense music playing]
[tense music continues]
[policewoman]
It's a bit too spicy this time.
- [policeman] Oh come on. It's very good.
- [policewoman] Yeah, right,
BECAUSE YOU'RE YOUNG
[indistinct police radio chatter]
[groans]
Does she know we're here?
We've been waiting quite a while.
Yes, she knows.
[police radio chatter continues]
[door opens]
[door closes]
[commander] Saturday or Sunday? Again?
[laughs]
I'll call you back, yeah.
MUNICIPAL POLICE
Hi.
How are you? Discover anything?
Commander, this file
is over three years old.
There aren't any new reports?
My daughter disappeared
just nine months ago.
[commander] Yes.
I know.
Then, can we see the morgue?
[commander] Look,
I would take you to the morgue,
but you know what?
It really hasn't been working
for seven months.
[Abril] I'm going to leave
my phone number.
If you find out anything,
please let us know.
Just because it's you, okay?
We recently found something
that I think might interest you.
[paper rustling]
We're around for a few days.
Look, since things
move quickly around here,
the container we encountered
on the highway filled
with these beautiful girls,
might stay a few days,
or they may take it tomorrow.
In any case, it will be very difficult
to identify the women in there.
[slams hand]
[Julia] Well, then let's go.
[loud engine]
[Julia] Pedro. Hi, son.
I'm touching base
so you don't worry about your mother.
I want you to know that
the lawyer's investigation is going well.
I also wanted to ask you a favor.
Please call Papá. Tell him it's okay.
He can contact the gallery and...
try to sell anything they can.
I have tried to reach him too,
but, uh, but it's him, after all.
- [dog barking]
- [man] Let's go! Come on!
I will need to withdraw some money
for the lawyer's fees.
And other things too.
- I will call you later, okay? Mm?
- [cows mooing]
I love you, honey.
[mooing continues]
[mooing]
[man] Come on, hurry.
Whenever you want, man.
- Come on!
- [mooing]
All good. Thanks.
Normally, in most of these cases,
it's migrants.
But since it's a popular
sex trafficking route...
Let's see. Open it.
[camera shutter clicking]
No, no, no, darling. No photos.
And not a word about this.
We're still waiting for the National Guard
to come pick them up.
It's a personal favor, understood?
Yes, commander, but don't break my camera.
Keep an eye on her.
[Abril] Commander,
that's my professional equipment.
Delete the pictures if you want.
- [commander] I'll be back in a moment.
- [engine starts]
[Abril] You'll give it back, right?
[coughing]
[retching]
[coughs]
[flies buzzing]
[coughs]
[sniffles]
[breathing heavily]
[exhales]
[breathing heavily]
[flies buzzing]
[exhales]
[tense music creeping in]
[tense music rising]
[footsteps approaching]
[beeping]
[ATM whirring]
[beep]
[bills door opening]
[sniffing]
[exhales]
[moans]
- [exhales]
- [ATM beeping repeatedly]
[beep]
[whirring]
[car engine starts]
It's good news that
she wasn't there. Right?
We wanna go here to look for her.
I wouldn't go there
if I were you, to be frank.
[Julia] What?
So I just gave you all that money,
and now you're backing out?
Whatever you want.
I'll just never go there myself.
They don't appreciate a woman
giving orders that kindly.
The officer will take you.
Hello.
[metal clattering]
[woman] Last door to the left.
[indistinct chatter]
[loud clattering]
[keyboard keys clacking]
[footsteps approaching]
[woman 2] Abril.
- Abril.
- [Abril] America, I'm Abril.
The cops are here. Did you call them?
You really fucked up.
That commander knows everyone.
I'm pretty sure that she already
told them to come and take y'all.
Do you know her? Have you seen her?
I can't tell. I don't know.
Seems like I could know her,
but I don't know.
Cas asked me to be here,
but you two shouldn't have come at all.
I know what it's like
when they kidnap your family,
but it's better if you go, please.
But if she's not here,
where can I look for her?
With the pastor. Go to his shelter.
- They're already gone.
- [Julia] Who?
[Abril] The police officers.
Grab your things.
- Grab your things. Let's go. Let's go.
- Yes, yes, okay.
Which shelter? Who is the pastor?
I'll explain in a sec.
[unsettling music playing]
[thunder rumbling]
[loud ringing]
[scream echoing]
[ringing continues]
And nothing, Mom. That's it.
I love you very much. I'll see you soon.
What's that?
Ah, listen, and relax.
- My brother told me...
- What beautiful eyes.
You always get like this
when you have an exhibit,
and then everything goes well
because you are awesome.
And despite having a daughter,
you still do this.
My mom always asks the same question.
But...
you know why?
Well, precisely because I have a daughter.
She's the reason.
Yes, sometimes it's true, I want to...
put all of this behind me and think,
"It's not my problem," then...
I don't know,
start writing other things, you know?
But I can't.
My mom says that I'm naive,
that nothing will ever change.
But I'm involved in this
for my daughter because...
Because I want her to realize that... that
she shouldn't stay silent.
So much of the world needs help,
so we need to do our part.
Meanwhile, the truth is that yes,
at times I leave her by herself and feel...
I feel guilty about it.
[horn honking]
It's here.
- [Julia] That one?
- [Abril] Yes.
Let's go.
[dogs barking]
Come on.
[indistinct chatter]
[baby crying]
[camera shutter clicking]
[baby continues crying]
[gentle music playing]
[camera shutter clicking]
[baby continues crying]
[girl 1] Oh, my teddy bear.
Look, if you don't move,
I'm going to share it with you.
Listen, I'm going to tell you a story.
[girl 2] A story?
[girl 1] Yeah. I know my favorite one.
I could tell it to you.
[girl 2] Okay.
Once upon a time, there were three pigs.
One of them...
All three of the pigs wanted to build
a house 'cause they wanted to move out...
[gentle music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
Ger?
[indistinct chatter]
[girl] Look, they look like you.
Mm, your little puppies.
[boy] I don't want to, Mom.
No, Mom, no. No quiero.
No, no, no, too much.
[boy] No, no, no, Mom!
I don't wanna! Come on!
JUSTICE!
NOT EVEN ONE WOMAN LESS
JUAN FERNÁNDEZ MARTÍNEZ
BROWN SKIN, BROWN EYES
HE NEVER CAME HOME FROM WORK
HE'S 25 YEARS OLD
FERNANDA CASTRO CEBALLOS
WENT MISSING ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009
HER DAUGHTER MISSES HER SO MUCH
Julia.
I couldn't find you.
Are you okay?
[Julia] Casandra said there was
another way to look for her.
[inhales]
[loud buzzing]
[somber music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
[woman] Martita, move away from there.
You could get hurt.
[buzzing continues]
[drone beeping]
[somber music continues]
[indistinct chatter]
You're new here, right?
[Julia] Why? Is it that obvious?
A little nervous?
[Julia chuckles]
Yes.
I don't know what will happen, honestly.
Have you been on many of these?
[woman] Nine years.
We search for two weeks every month.
Every month?
[woman] Yes. We'd even wish there were...
more weeks in a month.
See, I'm looking for José Arturo.
José Arturo was 20. Alexis just 16.
Milynali, 13,
and Aldo, 20, when they went missing
along with my brother.
August 2012.
Even after all these years...
Did they all disappear together?
Mm-hmm.
They were together.
But, well... now this is my family.
Tere has been looking
for Perla, her daughter.
She went missing along with her husband.
Now, Tere is in charge
of her grandchildren.
[Julia] Oh.
And Yolanda had triplets.
One of them went missing.
His name is Guillermo.
He came from the United States
to spend Christmas here,
and then he disappeared.
And Carmelita.
Her son Moisés disappeared
along with three other boys.
And Mari.
Her son José Manuel went missing in 2010.
Well, at that time,
around 2009, 2010,
the cartels recruited boys his age.
Those times were terrible.
So many kids went missing.
We had to learn how to look for them.
Search wherever we heard
someone had seen anything,
like a trace
or something that they left behind.
Then it was like, "Come on, girls!"
If we were lucky,
we found an ID or maybe some hints.
Something that belonged to someone
that we could then identify.
And so, we had to teach ourselves
how to conduct these search missions.
We learned how to follow a path
that might lead us to our people.
So we did this completely
by ourselves, us ladies.
The government doesn't care.
They don't help.
They're not interested at all.
- It's sad.
- [police siren blaring]
- [whistling]
- [woman 2] Oh my God.
[woman 3] Come here. I found something!
- Come on!
- [man] Let's see, Lalo. Bring the machete!
[woman 1] Let's go.
It seems important.
[bees buzzing]
[man] Hey, bring me the ladder!
[woman 3] Here comes the ladder.
- [man 2] Careful.
- [man 1] Make sure it's stable.
[woman] Don't worry. It's safe.
We don't want anybody to fall.
[suspenseful music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
[woman 3] Is it too deep?
[woman 1] No, it's not deep, really.
It looks like clothes.
- We are not going to need a lot of people.
- [woman 4] Does it smell bad?
[woman 1] A little. Okay, I'm going down.
Who else is coming?
- [woman 4] Can I go?
- [woman 1] Sure, no problem. Let's go.
l think I'd like to go too.
Are you sure?
- [Julia] Yes, I'm sure.
- [man] Tere, get me those gloves, please.
Tere give her a face mask
and a pair of gloves.
- Okay, I'll bring them.
- Mm-hmm.
Mari, pass them those flashlights,
down there if you would. Come on.
Please be careful on the ladder.
Watch your step and...
You may find something down there.
- [Julia] Mm.
- It might smell really foul and, uh...
It could be super strong,
but that's why you wear the face mask.
Don't pick anything up, please.
If you find something, let us know, okay?
- [Julia] Yes. I am coming.
- Okay. We'll be here monitoring you.
Well, uh, then, Lupita is also going down.
I think, she told me.
[Lupita] Yes, here I am.
[woman 1] Make sure
the ladder is well-placed.
- [woman 2] It is. I'm with her.
- [woman 1] Be careful, please.
- Put on the face mask.
- Is that Julia?
Yes.
[woman 2] Be very careful
because there was a beehive down there.
It's small, but be careful with it.
Hold the ladder steady!
It feels unstable.
[footsteps]
[click]
D AND N
[ominous music playing]
[loud scraping]
[woman 2] Bring the light over.
There's something here!
[unsettling music playing]
[Abril] How many hidden graves
have you found with the group?
[woman] They're only hidden for us.
They know where they put them.
They know where they are.
- [Abril] Who are they? Who made them?
- [woman] Those who needed to make them.
[Abril] Who are you looking for, Lupita?
[Lupita]
I'm looking for Daniel, my brother,
who disappeared with Gerardo,
the brother of Dianee.
They were intercepted by those criminals,
who asked us for a ransom
for them. We paid it,
and to this date,
they never returned them to us.
Eight of the suspects they interviewed
said in custody
that after they were killed,
they cooked them.
What does "cooked" mean?
They say that it means
actually chopping them up.
And burning them in barrels
and spreading them over the ground.
It's what we have
mostly been seeing out here.
- [woman 1] Let's see, girls.
- [woman 2] Let's eat. I'm hungry.
Okay, yes. This is what we brought.
- [woman 2] Sit down.
- Enjoy.
Go ahead.
[indistinct chatter]
Because we started looking ourselves.
So these years you've not been contacted
by the Prosecutor's Office?
- The government? Contacting us? No.
- I mean, directly, to discuss your case.
- [woman] We have to move this table.
- One with chicharrón, please.
I'll take care of the officer.
[indistinct chatter and laughter]
[woman 5] That's right,
you better believe it.
Too much.
[woman 6] Aren't you taking a test
one of these days, officer?
["El Listón de tu Pelo"
by Los Ángeles Azules playing]
I'm bad at dancing,
but, oh well. I try my best.
You want to dance?
Come on!
That's the way.
Julia... Julia, come on!
[all clapping]
Let's go!
["El Listón de tu Pelo" continues playing]
- [camera shutter clicking]
- [woman] Lupita only dances rancheras.
- [clapping]
- [woman 2] No, no, I have to lead you.
- Oh!
- By my hand. Follow me.
- [laughs]
- Whoo!
[laughter echoing]
[song fades away]
[wind blowing]
[car approaches and stops]
[car door opens]
- Ladies.
- [Lupita] Good morning, prosecutor.
- Good afternoon, Lupita.
- [Lupita] Do you know what time it is?
- Sorry, Lupita.
- I guess you had a good night sleep.
- I had a meeting. You know how this is.
- [Lupita] The others are over there.
- Good. Hello, ladies.
- [Lupita] They've waited for two hours.
Prosecutor Rodriguez,
may I ask you some questions?
No, no, this is not a good time.
- It'll only be a few minutes.
- Not now.
Excuse me.
Mrs. Velázquez.
- Prosecutor.
- How's it going?
What are you doing here?
Uh, fixing other people's mistakes.
But the real question is,
why are you here?
Well, doing other people's job.
Pardon me.
[Rodríguez] Let's see
what's going on here.
[insects chirping]
Hey, come look.
An article about the bodies
of the women found in the trailer.
It's been picked up by at least
ten national news channels.
It's even a trending topic.
I think your friend, the commander
won't be very happy about this.
[chuckles]
Ah.
I know.
[video calling app ringing]
- Hello, my love.
- [Emilia] Hi, Mami!
- How are you?
- Good.
- Where are you?
- Here in a very pretty hotel and you?
- Home.
- You already had dinner?
- Yeah, I did.
- What did you eat?
I ate pollito with vegetables.
It was delicious.
- You miss me?
- Mucho, mamá.
But I'll be back soon,
and we're going to be together
because I miss you very much.
[introspective music playing]
- Is this okay?
- Yes, thanks.
- [Julia] Thanks.
- Have a nice day.
[phone chimes]
[line calling]
[saleswoman] Can I get you something else?
[line calling]
[automated voice]
Your call will be transferred
to an automatic voice message system.
[Pedro] Hello? Hello?
Hey, dude, if you really knew me,
you'd know that
I never listen to my messages.
[beep]
[engine rumbling]
[vehicle slightly speeds up]
[engine running]
[vehicle moves forward]
[vehicle speeds up]
- [vehicle brakes]
- What do you want?!
[breathing shakily]
Abril.
Abril.
I'm going to the bathroom.
[lock clicks]
[bus brakes]
[engine running]
[passengers muttering softly]
[bus door opens]
- [man] Good evening.
- [driver] Hello.
- [man] Doing a check-up.
- [driver] Go ahead.
[man] Lights on, please.
- Thanks.
- [passengers chattering]
[man] Shh, shh.
Documents.
Move, asshole.
- What are you looking at, man?
- [passenger] Nothing, nothing.
Documents.
[muttering]
[passengers continue muttering]
They're writing something.
Probably their names.
[passengers continue muttering]
[man] Shh. There he comes.
- Come with me.
- You can't take me. No!
- [Abril] You can't take me.
- Move on!
This is illegal. You can't take me!
I belong to a journalism network!
- You can't do this! This is illegal!
- Move on!
I won't go.
I work for a network of journalists.
If something happens to me,
they'll look for me. You can't take me!
I'm Abril Escobedo and I am a journalist!
My name is Abril Escobedo
and I am a journalist!
Help me! My name is Abril Escobedo!
- You can't get me off the bus! Julia!
- [man 2] Let's go.
[Abril] You can't take me! Help me!
- [Abril screams]
- [man] Won't you stop!?
- Help me! My name is Abril Escobedo!
- [bus door closes]
- [Abril] You can't take me!
- [sobbing]
- [men clamoring]
- [man 3] Get her!
Get that bitch in the car! Now!
- [men speaking indistinctly]
- [Abril] Help me!
- [Abril screaming, desperate]
- [Julia sobbing]
[indistinct shouting]
Let's go!
[muffled] No!
[distressing music playing]
[sobbing]
[unsettling music playing]
[inaudible wailing]
[unsettling music continues]
[Rodríguez] Julia!
- Julia!
- No...
- Julia...
- Do not touch me! You killed her!
- Take it easy.
- It was you!
- Nothing will happen to her.
- Get off me!
[Julia sobbing]
Traitors!
[gasping]
You're paid to take care of us,
and you're the ones making us disappear.
Julia, they've been asking about you.
- No...
- You gotta go.
- That's what I came to tell you.
- Who's asking about me?!
I just wanted to find my daughter, and
now I'm looking for Abril, who's missing.
You're right.
You don't have to believe me.
But you're pissing off
a lot of the wrong people,
and I don't want you
to continue risking your life.
Please, come with me.
[car horn honking]
[police siren blaring]
[clamoring]
[Rodríguez] Come on, Julia.
We don't have much time.
Hurry! Come on, Julia.
- [women chanting] We want them alive!
- What are we doing here?
[women] We want them alive!
[exhales]
We caught him a few weeks ago
in a sting operation
where we were trying to capture
the heads of the cartel
in the area where Ger disappeared.
This isn't the big boss, but we know
he worked the area around the bars
where Ger was seen the last time.
He has good contacts,
and they will release him.
[man] Go talk to the lady.
[clamoring continues outside]
[helicopter blades whirring]
[phone keyboard clacking]
[Julia] This is Ger.
Mm.
Here she is with my son, Pedro.
And... and...
Ah, here she is
playing basketball... in middle school.
Competing in the nationals.
Did she win?
She got second.
[boy] Let me see.
What happened to her nose?
Hmm. She took a ball head on.
She bled a lot, but...
she didn't care.
She returned to the court.
[boy chuckles softly]
She should've won.
Don't look for her.
You won't find her.
Why?
What did you do to her? Where is she?
[inhales]
She was doing blow with her friends,
but it wasn't any of ours.
Just because of that?
- Also, she was hot.
- [gasps]
That's enough.
Let me go or you're going to be fucked.
[indistinct police radio chatter]
[unsettling music playing]
Julia, are you okay?
If they stop you for any reason,
give them this code.
Julia.
[muffled] Julia, you have to go.
You have to leave now.
I'll call you if I find anything
about your friend, but go now.
Hurry, Julia!
Please go! Please listen to me!
You have to go!
Please, hurry up. You need to leave!
Julia!
[unsettling music continues]
- [Rodríguez] You have to leave!
- [elevator dings]
[muffled] Get out. Now! Go away!
Julia, you need to leave. Go now.
[distorted] Julia, you need to leave.
Julia, you need to go!
[elevator doors close loudly]
[elevator bell dings]
[elevator bell dings]
[boy] Don't look for her.
[loud ringing]
[boy, echoing] You won't find her.
[elevator bell dings]
[ringing continues]
[indistinct chatter, muffled]
[ringing continues]
[distant bang]
[bustle]
[woman] Come on! Let's go! Let's go!
[loud clamoring]
NOT ONE MORE
[chanting] Not one more! Not one more!
Not one more! Not one more!
WE ARE NOT AFRAID
I EXIST BECAUSE I RESIST
[clamoring continues]
[women chanting] Tremble!
Let the macho pigs tremble!
[clamoring]
Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
[women chanting] We want them back alive!
We want them back alive!
We want them back alive!
THEY'RE KILLING US
[chanting] Not one more! Not one more!
Not one more! Not one more murdered!
Not one more! Not one more!
Not one more! Not one more!
- [loud screaming]
- [intense drumming]
[clamoring continues]
[chanting] Why do they kill us
if we are the future of Latin America?
NO MORE MASSACRES
[chanting] Let the macho pigs tremble!
Feminism will reign
throughout Latin America!
[shouting]
[chanting] Sister, you're right,
your cause is my fight!
[sobbing]
[chanting] You are not alone!
You are not alone! You are not alone!
You are not alone! You are not alone!
You are not alone! You are not alone!
You are not alone! You are not alone!
You are not alone! You are not alone!
WE LOVE YOU!
UNTIL WE FIND YOU
[woman] Testing, testing,
one, two, three. Testing.
[women continue chanting]
[woman] We should not have to be here.
[women cheering]
[woman] We should not have to look for
our family members or ask where they are
or who took them.
We should not have to defend
our fundamental rights.
- [women cheering]
- But we do it!
We have always done it.
We are here because of anger.
Because of love.
Because we're tired.
- We are together...
- [cheering]
...because prey animals
always travel in herds.
And this herd will be afraid no more!
[cheering]
[woman] Not of the wolves!
Nor the lions!
Not even the worst predators!
[cheering]
[woman] Because they have taken
everything from us.
They take away the bodies
and souls of our sisters.
They take away their names.
They get reduced to a file.
That's why we are fighting!
[women] Yes!
[woman] For our girls!
For the mothers and grandmothers!
For the crazy ones!
- And for the others!
- [women] Yes!
[woman] And for ourselves!
[woman 2] Justice!
'Cause we are here
and we're not going to let them rest!
[cheering]
[woman] So that the eyes of our women
plunge into their minds like daggers!
So that you learn their full names!
[women] Yes!
- Their faces burn into your thoughts!
- [women] Yes!
Their age and height
and the place where they disappeared.
We are here to say,
once again, that in Mexico,
women get murdered
and disappear every day!
[indistinct chanting]
And the government is an accomplice!
[clamoring]
[woman] And those who stay silent
are helping them!
[clamoring]
[woman] But we are not accomplices.
Every one of us is willing
to give everything we have!
[cheering]
[woman] Because each missing person
is a part of our bodies.
[women] Yes!
They have to know
that we are not afraid anymore!
They'll see that women are here
and we're coming for them now!
Justice! Justice! Justice! Justice!
Justice! Justice!
- [loud bang]
- Justice! Justice!
- [panicked screaming]
- [loud bang]
[officer] Round them up. Round them up!
[loud bang]
- [screaming]
- [officer] Containment, containment!
Round them up! To the ground!
To the ground! To the ground!
- [police siren blaring]
- [panicked screaming]
[clamoring]
[girl 1] Here, please! Follow me!
[girl 2] Don't stay behind!
- [light switch bangs]
- [screaming]
[clamoring]
[glass shatters]
Come on, come on, run, run, run!
[clamoring]
[girl 3] Come on, come on!
[loud clattering]
[clamoring and screaming continue]
[officer] Go, go, go!
Round them up! Round them up!
[officer 2] Get out of the way!
Get on the floor!
[screaming continues]
[woman 4] Help us repost this, please.
They have us surrounded.
These bastards got in.
They took our sisters.
They waited until nightfall
after the media had left.
[clamoring continues]
- Please! Please! Help us!
- Come on, before they see us!
Please, open the door!
Open the door. They're coming!
[screaming]
[indistinct shouting]
[loud bang]
[women shouting]
[glass shatters]
[chanting] The oppressive state
is a macho rapist!
The oppressive state is a macho rapist!
The oppressive state is a macho rapist!
The oppressive state is a macho rapist!
The oppressive state is a macho rapist!
[clamoring continues]
[unsettling music playing]
[baby crying]
[woman 1] Come with me.
Don't be scared. Shh.
It's going to be fine.
It's going to be okay.
[child cries]
Come with me. Don't be scared!
Don't be scared, baby. Don't be scared.
- Shh, shh.
- [woman 2] Someone's coming.
I think they're here.
- [door opens]
- It's okay.
[woman 3] Hand your baby over to me.
Everything will be okay.
We are going to protect you.
[shouting]
- [loud banging]
- [women screaming]
[screaming]
[crash]
[blows being struck]
[loud thud]
[muffled screams]
[unsettling music playing]
[men shouting indistinctly]
[unsettling music rising]
[clamoring fades]
[hopeful music playing]
[wind blowing]
The group Voice and Dignity
for Our People, San Luis Potosí,
is made up of over 300 families
searching for loved ones.
In Mexico, since the start
of the so-called war on drugs,
the official number of missing persons
stands at over 90,000.
THIS IS NOT ABOUT NUMBERS
IT'S ABOUT PEOPLE
♪ Milynali Piña Pérez ♪
♪ José Arturo Domínguez Pérez ♪
♪ Alexis Domínguez Pérez ♪
♪ Ignacio Pérez Rodríguez ♪
♪ Aldo de Jesús Pérez Salazar ♪
♪ Daniel Elías Mendiola Acosta ♪
♪ Gerardo Uribe Rodríguez ♪
♪ Fidel Barragán Salazar ♪
[plaintive music playing]
♪ José Manuel Yáñez Torres ♪
♪ Juan Carlos Martínez Hernández ♪
♪ Edgar Daniel Hernández Torres ♪
♪ Moisés Gámez Almanza ♪
♪ Perla Guadalupe Padrón Castillo ♪
♪ Guillermo Díaz Niño ♪
♪ Daniela Mabel Sánchez Curiel ♪
♪ Gustavo Nájera Ayllón ♪
♪ Lizbeth Hernández Cervantes ♪
♪ Zahira Itzel Hernández Díaz ♪
♪ Adulfa Pomposa Cerqueda Martínez ♪
♪ Roberto Córdoba Ruiz ♪
♪ Erik Flores Cortés ♪
♪ Jesús Rodolfo Franco Galindo ♪
[names overlapping in song]
María José Córdova would like to thank...
My parents, brothers, and adopted sister.
Natalia for another new journey.
Julieta for giving us a voice.
Rafiel and Manolo. Chivi.
Gabriel Nuncio and Bengala.
Bárbara and Fede. Karla for hosting us.
Gabriela, Vicks, and María.
San Luis Potosí and its people
for welcoming us and for all your love.
The Autonomous University
of San Luis Potosí. My friends.
Karla Badillo would like to thank...
My mother and father and my siblings.
Natalia for embroidering
such a moving story.
María Jose and Rafa,
for teaching me and showing me the way.
Fede and Bárbara, for coming aboard.
Gaby, for rowing with me.
Julieta, our rudder.
Voice and Dignity, for their tirelessness.
All the production team. UASLP.
My beloved state,
San Luis Potosí, a surreal place.
Everyone who shared their story,
their pain, and their hope with us.
Natalia Beristain would like to thank...
This film would not have been possible
without the justified fury,
the joy, the intelligence,
the determination, and the courage
I have seen in so many women.
The women who search tirelessly
for their loved ones.
People like you
keep the fabric of our nation intact.
All those who shared their story.
Those who, through their work or presence,
have shown me the way.
My mother. My daughter.
These are some of the works and movements
that, knowingly or unknowingly,
accompanied me
during the making of this film.
These names and these causes
all influenced the creation of this NOISE.
[distant unsettling music playing]
[unsettling music grows louder]
NOISE
[unsettling music continues]
[military drumming creeping in]
[atmospheric music takes over]
[ringing]
Hmm...
[sighs softly]
[sniffles]
[exhales]
[door slides open]
[inhales]
[phone chimes]
[exhales sharply]
[phone beeps]
[man] Did you get the email?
Call me. It's urgent.
[phone clatters]
[scraping]
PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
WE DEMAND JUSTICE
TOUCH ONE WOMAN AND WE ALL SPEAK OUT
RAPISTS
MEXICO FEMICIDE
Come on,
they'll let us in from the other door.
[agent] Arturo Bravo Díaz
and Julia Velázquez Noriega?
Can I have your relative's name?
Gertrudis Bravo Velázquez.
[agent] Velázquez. All right.
Age?
I'm sorry. Um, what's this for?
But you're the ones
that asked us to come here today.
[agent] Yes.
[phone chimes and vibrates]
If the energy you all put
into your phones went towards work,
the history of this whole country
would have turned out
completely differently.
Please help me verify
the missing individual's age.
[Julia, irritated] Is it not in your file?
I'm verifying so we don't make
any other mistakes here.
- She's 24 years old.
- Twenty-five.
Yesterday was her birthday.
- [agent] Thanks.
- [keyboard keys clacking]
[agent] Any identifying marks?
A tattoo, yes.
She has it on her lower left arm.
Tattoo? Okay.
[keyboard keys clacking]
Do you have any photographs?
[Julia slaps down picture]
[slides]
[indistinct background chatter]
Okay.
[phone chimes and vibrates]
[phone chimes and vibrates]
Give me a second or two.
Such an asshole!
What happened?
[phone ringing]
It's not Ger.
You can't be serious.
They've had her file for months now.
And the staff at the university
were following up too.
It's not Ger!
Uh, everyone outside, please.
Just for a moment. Come on.
The prosecutor is coming to talk to you.
Please. Wait outside, ma'am.
[man] Just for a moment, please.
[phone continues ringing]
[agent] Please, ma'am, my apologies.
Go with them. We'll be back soon.
[door opens]
[man] Mr. Bravo, Mrs. Velázquez.
[door closes]
I am prosecutor Zamudio Rodríguez.
In the email I had sent you earlier,
I mentioned I was just transferred here.
Now I am in charge
of your daughter's case.
This is the third person that has
taken over our case in just nine months.
[Rodríguez] I just follow orders, ma'am.
Apparently, there was a mistake
in Gertrudis's file.
[gasps softly]
[Rodríguez] We have no record
of anyone with a tattoo like that.
There was a mistake?
[Arturo] After nine months,
now you tell me there was a mistake?
[Rodríguez] I'm really sorry.
[Arturo] You're sorry.
We just want to see her.
- [Rodríguez] Excuse me?
- Let us see her then.
If it's not our daughter,
she's still someone's.
[Rodríguez] No, protocol won't allow it.
Your stupid protocol is what made us
come here to ID her body, though.
If that's not painful enough, then tell me
why the hell are we here, huh?
You can't even get your file straight,
so what the fuck are you here for?!
Tell me!
Those bodies were all found
in a hidden grave.
They have probably been there for a while.
They're in an advanced state
of decomposition.
I don't think it is helpful to expose
yourselves to something like that.
[breathes deeply]
[distant ringing]
[wind blowing]
[ringing intensifies]
[insects chirping and ringing continues]
[chirping and ringing fade]
- [woman] Hello.
- [child] Hello.
- I'm Adriana.
- [woman 2] Hello, Adriana.
[children] Hello, Adriana.
[Adriana] And I'm Mitzi's mother.
[Adriana]
My daughter disappeared two months ago.
WHERE ARE THEY?
[Adriana] One day she left this place,
and we never saw her again.
- [woman] Where did Mitzi disappear? Here?
- [Adriana] Yes.
But they told us
they probably took her somewhere else.
MY DEAR, I'LL NEVER STOP LOOKING FOR YOU
WHERE ARE THEY?
[woman] Thanks, Adriana.
Is there anything else you want to share?
Yeah.
Mitzi's got a sister as well.
Mm.
Adela.
Her twin sister.
They're identical twins.
And Adela is now...
nearly 16 weeks pregnant.
And although I...
buy some clothes and toys, but...
in my heart, I feel so...
tormented.
I never stop telling myself
I should be... be more...
more excited, you know?
I mean, my first grandson.
[inhales]
[voice breaking] And...
I'm embarrassed that... [sniffles]
...that my daughter realizes how
this sadness is always eating at me.
She doesn't say anything.
But I'm aware that, uh...
That it hurts her. [sniffles]
And...
I would like to be able to talk to her
and explain to her,
but then I worry that
this problem is the only, uh...
the only thing that I ever
talk to her about anymore.
And... [sniffles]
I want her to know I'm happy.
That I'm so happy 'cause...
it's my first grandson. [sniffles]
But I also want her to know every time I...
every time I see her belly, I...
I only think about
how her sister's missing.
That's why I get sad. [sniffles]
And then I tell myself that, yes,
I will find her one day.
And she'll also have lots of children.
Well, if she likes, right?
If she doesn't, she doesn't have to.
[Adriana chuckles woefully]
[scribbling]
[Adriana] The truth is that...
[Adriana chuckles softly]
I do feel happy.
But...
But not completely.
[woman] Hi, Adriana.
- Hello.
- I'm Paola.
Agustina's daughter.
I have been looking for her
nearly eight years now.
I think that you'll feel happy
when you meet your grandson.
Truly happy, I think.
That baby is going to give you
a new reason to continue fighting with us.
Because that's what babies do.
[cries softly]
You are not alone.
[women]
You are not alone. You are not alone.
[woman] Welcome, Adriana.
[cries]
Well, I'd like to remind you
that the journalist Abril Escobedo
is joining us today.
- Some of you already know her.
- [women] Hello, Abril.
[woman] She'll be here
taking some notes for her investigation.
- Welcome again, Abril.
- [women] Welcome.
And now we have someone
who has been here before,
but has not joined us in some time.
And today is an important day for her.
- [women] Welcome.
- Welcome, Julia.
Thanks.
[exhales softly]
[clears throat]
I'm Julia.
The mother of Ger.
Gertrudis.
And yes, today's a really important day
because it's been nine months
since we've had any news from her.
[woman] Remind us, Julia.
What's the last thing you heard from her?
[Julia] Ger had just finished her studies
in the university. She's a psychologist.
She wanted to work with... with, uh,
with children who have
problems reading and writing.
She went on a trip with some friends
to celebrate their graduation.
And...
[swallows]
[sniffles] And we've already gone
through the entire legal process.
We've...
We've done everything
the police have requested...
[inhaling deeply]
...spent several weeks
in the place where she disappeared,
uh... [scoffs]
...until we just hit a wall.
All this, on her birthday is...
It feels like I've suddenly
been hit by a train.
[breathes]
Everything just hurts.
And then there's Arturo.
Ger's father.
Always there to help me.
Trying to cope with the situation.
[muttering]
And he cannot understand
that that's not what I need.
And it makes me angry.
It pisses me off that he is being so nice.
[sniffles]
[voice breaks]
I don't need him to be nice.
I just need to know where she is...
Where is my daughter.
[sniffs]
And I... I do understand, yes, I do,
that this is the way he is trying to help.
Um, and I get
he does this 'cause he cares,
uh, about how I'm feeling.
But he needs to understand
that this is not, not at all,
the best for my daughter, Ger.
[cries, swallows]
[sniffles] Missing her hurts so terribly.
[cries]
Today marks nine months...
since I've heard from her.
Ger was always so happy!
[inhales]
And now I don't know where she is.
[swallows, cries softly]
[women, echoing] You are not alone.
You are not alone. You are not alone.
[light switch clicks]
[plaintive music playing]
[continuous buzzing]
[buzzing continues]
Hi, Mom.
Look where I just took a dive
in this waterfall here. And look at you.
There you are in the city, in traffic
with all the pollution. [chuckles]
There's one of my girls,
and there's the other one.
And nothing, Mom. That's it.
I love you very much,
and I'll see you soon.
[brooding music plays]
[Gertrudis, muffled] Oh! And please relax.
My brother told me
you're making the gallery staff...
[door opens loudly]
[footsteps approaching]
[gentle Mexican music
playing in the background]
What is that?
It's embroidery.
[woman] No, no, don't worry.
This is my daughter.
- You like her?
- Mm-hmm.
[woman] Let's see.
Let me check real quick.
Excuse me. Are you Julia?
- Yes.
- [woman] This is Emilia, my daughter.
Nice to meet you, Emilia.
Yes, can I call you back?
Wonderful. Thanks.
[sighs] Oh, I'm sorry.
Couldn't get a babysitter.
[Julia] Here.
[Abril] May I?
Of course.
Sorry.
That's why I brought them.
That there is Ger.
Today they asked us to come
and identify one of the bodies and I...
Love, do me a favor.
Get the waiter to bring a coffee for me
and ask for whatever you'd like.
- Yeah. Sure.
- You'll eat something?
Miss! Hello?
[Julia] I had these catastrophic dreams
when Ger was born
and for a long time after that.
That's what they're called, right?
When you dream
just the worst things happening.
Horrible things.
But... you never truly imagine the worst,
until you get the news that
your daughter has suddenly disappeared.
[Mexican music continues in background]
DAUGHTER OF ARTIST JULIA VELÁZQUEZ
DISAPPEARS WHILE ON VACATION
[Abril] Are you an artist?
I was.
What do you hope to find?
What do you think you want to do next?
[coffee pot whistling]
[cappuccino maker hissing]
[hissing and ringing fades]
[harsh metallic noise]
[distant drilling]
[traffic noise]
[buzzing]
[static]
[Arturo] Hello?
Who is it?
- Come up.
- [buzzing]
[door unlocks]
[screeching]
[door closes]
[children playing in distance]
[Arturo] Hello.
[gasps]
[exhales]
[Julia] Mm.
[Arturo] Hey, have you talked
to the staff at the gallery?
They say they've been looking for you.
I don't know how you're doing financially,
but a little money never hurt anyone.
[inhales]
[Arturo] It doesn't have to be new work.
With what you have in your studio...
[Julia exhales slowly]
[Julia] I'm embroidering for me.
Not for anyone else.
What?
Did it hurt?
[Julia] At least I felt something.
It's Ger's design.
[Arturo] I also feel lost, Julia.
I don't recognize myself.
Every time I try to talk about Ger...
it's as if acid
was burning me from the inside.
Every day, for the last nine months,
I... I wake up and everything hurts so much
that I think I'm not gonna make it.
But death never comes.
[clock ticking faintly]
I'm eaten alive when I imagine
what could be happening to our baby girl.
What they might have done to her.
And today, I was convinced
this was going to be over.
[voice breaks] I wanted it to be her.
[clock keeps on ticking]
[crying softly]
[Julia] We'll have to look for her again.
[Arturo sobs quietly]
[Gertrudis] Hi, Mom.
Look where I just took a dive.
In this waterfall here. And look at you.
There you are in the city, in traffic
with all the pollution. [chuckles]
There's one of my girls.
And there's the other one.
And nothing, Mom. That's it.
I love you very much
and I'll see you soon.
Oh! And please relax.
[harsh ringing]
[muffled] My brother told me
you're making the gallery staff miserable.
You always get like this
before an exhibit,
and everything always works out
because you're awesome!
[ringing fades]
[single piano key echoing]
[knocking]
[clock ticking]
[knocking rapidly]
[inhales deeply]
[desolate piano music playing]
[clocks keeps on ticking]
- [clock continues ticking]
- [sighs softly]
[faint squeaking from door opening]
[door closes]
[door squeaking]
[Arturo breathes in]
[Arturo exhales]
[car drives away]
[desolate music continues]
[ringing]
[unsettling music playing]
[harsh ringing]
[rain pattering]
Ma'am?
Mm.
[inhales]
[phone chimes and vibrates]
Julia, this is Abril. I have news.
I'm in a rush, but I'll look for you later
and I'll tell you all about it, okay?
[thunderclap]
[rain pattering]
[atmospheric music playing]
[atmospheric music continues]
[man] This way, please.
[reporter] And after a huge
national debut, we are back.
It's 9:23 on this beautiful
and sunny Thursday.
And don't forget that we still, yes still,
have several double tickets
for this weekend's...
[man] He'll check you in.
[reporter] Do not miss out on this one.
This will be one for the books.
So grab those double tickets now.
- Just call 433-15-89-11.
- [man] Turn around.
[reporter] Again, call 433-15-89-11.
[man] Cell phones
and computer equipment in the box.
[reporter] ...about the interview
we had yesterday with the local teacher
that came to talk to us
of their experiences,
but well, while we hope
to have them on again to talk some more,
see that some of this gossip will probably
turn out to be nothing more than that,
there still may be a bit of truth to it.
[man] Go ahead.
She's already waiting for you.
[woman] Darling, how are you?
I'm so glad to see you.
[Abril] It's been so long, Cas.
[Casandra] How's your daughter?
She must be so grown up.
[Abril] Yes, she's well.
Thank you very much.
So this is Julia.
[Julia] Thanks for seeing me.
[Casandra] Please, have a seat.
Sit, sit.
[chairs scraping]
[Casandra] Did you bring the file?
[Abril] Here it is.
[papers rustling]
[Abril] Casandra handles
a lot of cases like yours.
That's why she always operates like this.
[Casandra]
Have they not offered you any money?
[Julia] Money?
[Casandra] Government compensation
to get you to back off.
FOUND - FOUND - FOUND
[Julia] No, they haven't
offered me any money.
[papers rustling]
[Casandra] Anything else that is not here?
Anything you're not telling me?
Any details outside the official documents
or something other
than what Abril told me?
[Julia] Yes, there was a report,
but they tried to use it to smear Ger.
MEXICAN REPUBLIC
[Casandra] Mm-hmm.
[Julia] The security cameras from the bar
showed her and her friends going
into the bathroom to snort cocaine.
She was carrying the bag.
And what do you think?
What do I think about my daughter
going missing for partying?
You think you can ask
a mother that question?
No, no, no, no.
I'm sorry. That's not what I meant.
I need to have as much information
as possible to figure out how to help you.
What did the police say?
Ugh.
They repeat it all the time,
as if it was all that matters.
Like she's not worth the trouble to look.
[Casandra] Do you know
anything about her friends?
Mm, they didn't even notice.
They said one minute she was there,
then just gone.
I've known both these girls for years now.
I trust them.
[exhales]
[Julia] It also has been
very difficult for them.
Who's handling your case?
[Julia] They assigned a new prosecutor...
Zamudio Rodríguez. Know him?
Yes, he's the best out there.
Though he's still part of the government.
Have you found all these people?
The truth is that I don't even know
where to start looking.
- [knocking on door]
- [Casandra] Yes?
Excuse me, counselor, it's time to leave.
There's something that you should know.
The police usually look for people
who disappeared only in mass graves.
It's easier to find corpses
than living people.
As you know, in cases like this,
time is very important.
Several months have already passed.
And the area
where your daughter went missing
is in a heavy trafficking area.
I can't say anything for sure,
but because of her physical appearance,
it wouldn't be unusual that
she got caught up in something like that.
They've found security houses
with girls with her profile.
If you'd like,
I could try to put you
in touch with someone.
Or give me some time
so I can get more information.
I'll call you in a few days.
No, I will call you.
Just tell me what to do.
The police there
already know you, I suppose?
[Julia] Yes.
Let 'em know that you're back,
while I get moving with the information
you gave me already.
Always let us know of your location.
Wherever you go.
Tell me anything you find, and take care.
Oh, and don't go
in any vehicle that can be traced.
[birds chirping]
[sizzling]
Here you go.
Thanks.
Eat up.
[video calling app ringing]
[video calling app ringing]
[man] Ma, what happened?
Where are you? Are you okay?
[Julia] All good, my love. Why?
[man] Why?
I've been calling you for days,
and you don't answer the damn phone.
[Julia] Yes, I know. Sorry.
[rain pattering]
[Julia] I met a very good lawyer.
And she'll help us with your sister.
[man] Help how?
Julia?
[sighs]
Pedro.
I'm not doing anything wrong.
I'm looking for your sister.
Well, I just want you to take care of
yourself and tell me where you are, okay?
I'm always careful.
Don't do anything crazy
just because you're sad.
Oh, it's easy for you to talk like that
being where you are.
It was you who pushed me
to even come here in the first place.
It's not something I wanted.
We were afraid is all.
That's why we didn't want you to be here.
I'm also afraid, Ma.
I'm not staying at home all day alone
doing nothing and just waiting.
What the hell am I supposed to do
if something happens to you, huh?
Nothing will happen.
Nothing, okay?
You don't gotta do anything at all.
Don't get angry.
No, no, I'm not, Ma. I'm only worried.
Uh...
Ma, it seems like you...
[sighs] Nothing.
[Julia] What?
Ma...
Tell me.
Ger is my sister too.
You're not the only person hurting.
I'm thinking of her every goddamn day.
I... I miss her every day, and at night
I always break down in tears,
or, who knows, wherever I am
I will just start crying and shaking.
You're so in pain
that you don't even realize
that you're not the only one who lost Ger.
[exhales softly]
Pedro, I'm sorry.
[sighs] I had no idea.
[Pedro] Forget it.
I don't even know why I told you this.
Mom,
seriously,
either you keep me in the loop
about where you are,
or else I'm buying a fucking plane ticket
and bringing you home.
[Julia chuckles softly]
Don't worry, Pedro.
I'll keep you in the loop, okay?
[distant thunder]
I love you.
Me too, Mom.
A lot.
Take care of yourself.
Bye.
[video calling app closes]
[sobbing]
[continues sobbing]
[cries]
[gasps, sniffles]
[whimpers]
[rain pattering]
[bell tolling]
[Julia sniffles]
[exhales]
[bell tolling]
[exhales]
["Perra del Futuro"
by Tomasa del Real playing]
[woman 1] Give me a hand with this.
[indistinct chatter]
[zipping]
- [woman 2] Is everything secured?
- [woman 3] Yes, it's all good.
Hello.
- Hi.
- Can I get a hit?
Yes of course. [chuckles]
Thanks.
Let me see.
LET IT BURN
[Julia] You made this?
[young woman] Yes.
And what's your name?
My name's Liz.
Mm.
Julia.
You're not from here, are you?
[Julia] Hmm-mm.
Are you?
I'm not.
[Julia] And what about them?
[Liz] Most of us come
from different places in the outskirts.
Why are you here?
[Liz] We came to "body up" for the mothers
and other relatives who are inside.
How's that?
[Liz] To support them.
Oh.
[Liz] They've been there since yesterday.
They were in a meeting with
some public officials all day,
who after having them wait
for like, months to see them,
told them their files were missing
and that they should just leave.
And these mothers said
that nobody's gonna leave,
not until they get some answers.
- Mm.
- [Liz] But imagine.
What would you do, then?
- Do you have children?
- Yeah, two.
Pedro and Ger.
Ger?
[chuckling softly] Gertrudis.
But she doesn't like having
such an old-fashioned name.
So she wants us to call her Ger.
We have the same tattoo.
Mm?
- It's so cool.
- [chuckles]
[whistling]
[women shouting]
[Julia] What are you doing?
What? Don't tell me you'd defend
monuments over people?
[women chanting]
Sister you're right, this is your fight!
Sister...!
[somber music playing]
[tense music playing]
[tense music continues]
[policewoman]
It's a bit too spicy this time.
- [policeman] Oh come on. It's very good.
- [policewoman] Yeah, right,
BECAUSE YOU'RE YOUNG
[indistinct police radio chatter]
[groans]
Does she know we're here?
We've been waiting quite a while.
Yes, she knows.
[police radio chatter continues]
[door opens]
[door closes]
[commander] Saturday or Sunday? Again?
[laughs]
I'll call you back, yeah.
MUNICIPAL POLICE
Hi.
How are you? Discover anything?
Commander, this file
is over three years old.
There aren't any new reports?
My daughter disappeared
just nine months ago.
[commander] Yes.
I know.
Then, can we see the morgue?
[commander] Look,
I would take you to the morgue,
but you know what?
It really hasn't been working
for seven months.
[Abril] I'm going to leave
my phone number.
If you find out anything,
please let us know.
Just because it's you, okay?
We recently found something
that I think might interest you.
[paper rustling]
We're around for a few days.
Look, since things
move quickly around here,
the container we encountered
on the highway filled
with these beautiful girls,
might stay a few days,
or they may take it tomorrow.
In any case, it will be very difficult
to identify the women in there.
[slams hand]
[Julia] Well, then let's go.
[loud engine]
[Julia] Pedro. Hi, son.
I'm touching base
so you don't worry about your mother.
I want you to know that
the lawyer's investigation is going well.
I also wanted to ask you a favor.
Please call Papá. Tell him it's okay.
He can contact the gallery and...
try to sell anything they can.
I have tried to reach him too,
but, uh, but it's him, after all.
- [dog barking]
- [man] Let's go! Come on!
I will need to withdraw some money
for the lawyer's fees.
And other things too.
- I will call you later, okay? Mm?
- [cows mooing]
I love you, honey.
[mooing continues]
[mooing]
[man] Come on, hurry.
Whenever you want, man.
- Come on!
- [mooing]
All good. Thanks.
Normally, in most of these cases,
it's migrants.
But since it's a popular
sex trafficking route...
Let's see. Open it.
[camera shutter clicking]
No, no, no, darling. No photos.
And not a word about this.
We're still waiting for the National Guard
to come pick them up.
It's a personal favor, understood?
Yes, commander, but don't break my camera.
Keep an eye on her.
[Abril] Commander,
that's my professional equipment.
Delete the pictures if you want.
- [commander] I'll be back in a moment.
- [engine starts]
[Abril] You'll give it back, right?
[coughing]
[retching]
[coughs]
[flies buzzing]
[coughs]
[sniffles]
[breathing heavily]
[exhales]
[breathing heavily]
[flies buzzing]
[exhales]
[tense music creeping in]
[tense music rising]
[footsteps approaching]
[beeping]
[ATM whirring]
[beep]
[bills door opening]
[sniffing]
[exhales]
[moans]
- [exhales]
- [ATM beeping repeatedly]
[beep]
[whirring]
[car engine starts]
It's good news that
she wasn't there. Right?
We wanna go here to look for her.
I wouldn't go there
if I were you, to be frank.
[Julia] What?
So I just gave you all that money,
and now you're backing out?
Whatever you want.
I'll just never go there myself.
They don't appreciate a woman
giving orders that kindly.
The officer will take you.
Hello.
[metal clattering]
[woman] Last door to the left.
[indistinct chatter]
[loud clattering]
[keyboard keys clacking]
[footsteps approaching]
[woman 2] Abril.
- Abril.
- [Abril] America, I'm Abril.
The cops are here. Did you call them?
You really fucked up.
That commander knows everyone.
I'm pretty sure that she already
told them to come and take y'all.
Do you know her? Have you seen her?
I can't tell. I don't know.
Seems like I could know her,
but I don't know.
Cas asked me to be here,
but you two shouldn't have come at all.
I know what it's like
when they kidnap your family,
but it's better if you go, please.
But if she's not here,
where can I look for her?
With the pastor. Go to his shelter.
- They're already gone.
- [Julia] Who?
[Abril] The police officers.
Grab your things.
- Grab your things. Let's go. Let's go.
- Yes, yes, okay.
Which shelter? Who is the pastor?
I'll explain in a sec.
[unsettling music playing]
[thunder rumbling]
[loud ringing]
[scream echoing]
[ringing continues]
And nothing, Mom. That's it.
I love you very much. I'll see you soon.
What's that?
Ah, listen, and relax.
- My brother told me...
- What beautiful eyes.
You always get like this
when you have an exhibit,
and then everything goes well
because you are awesome.
And despite having a daughter,
you still do this.
My mom always asks the same question.
But...
you know why?
Well, precisely because I have a daughter.
She's the reason.
Yes, sometimes it's true, I want to...
put all of this behind me and think,
"It's not my problem," then...
I don't know,
start writing other things, you know?
But I can't.
My mom says that I'm naive,
that nothing will ever change.
But I'm involved in this
for my daughter because...
Because I want her to realize that... that
she shouldn't stay silent.
So much of the world needs help,
so we need to do our part.
Meanwhile, the truth is that yes,
at times I leave her by herself and feel...
I feel guilty about it.
[horn honking]
It's here.
- [Julia] That one?
- [Abril] Yes.
Let's go.
[dogs barking]
Come on.
[indistinct chatter]
[baby crying]
[camera shutter clicking]
[baby continues crying]
[gentle music playing]
[camera shutter clicking]
[baby continues crying]
[girl 1] Oh, my teddy bear.
Look, if you don't move,
I'm going to share it with you.
Listen, I'm going to tell you a story.
[girl 2] A story?
[girl 1] Yeah. I know my favorite one.
I could tell it to you.
[girl 2] Okay.
Once upon a time, there were three pigs.
One of them...
All three of the pigs wanted to build
a house 'cause they wanted to move out...
[gentle music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
Ger?
[indistinct chatter]
[girl] Look, they look like you.
Mm, your little puppies.
[boy] I don't want to, Mom.
No, Mom, no. No quiero.
No, no, no, too much.
[boy] No, no, no, Mom!
I don't wanna! Come on!
JUSTICE!
NOT EVEN ONE WOMAN LESS
JUAN FERNÁNDEZ MARTÍNEZ
BROWN SKIN, BROWN EYES
HE NEVER CAME HOME FROM WORK
HE'S 25 YEARS OLD
FERNANDA CASTRO CEBALLOS
WENT MISSING ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009
HER DAUGHTER MISSES HER SO MUCH
Julia.
I couldn't find you.
Are you okay?
[Julia] Casandra said there was
another way to look for her.
[inhales]
[loud buzzing]
[somber music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
[woman] Martita, move away from there.
You could get hurt.
[buzzing continues]
[drone beeping]
[somber music continues]
[indistinct chatter]
You're new here, right?
[Julia] Why? Is it that obvious?
A little nervous?
[Julia chuckles]
Yes.
I don't know what will happen, honestly.
Have you been on many of these?
[woman] Nine years.
We search for two weeks every month.
Every month?
[woman] Yes. We'd even wish there were...
more weeks in a month.
See, I'm looking for José Arturo.
José Arturo was 20. Alexis just 16.
Milynali, 13,
and Aldo, 20, when they went missing
along with my brother.
August 2012.
Even after all these years...
Did they all disappear together?
Mm-hmm.
They were together.
But, well... now this is my family.
Tere has been looking
for Perla, her daughter.
She went missing along with her husband.
Now, Tere is in charge
of her grandchildren.
[Julia] Oh.
And Yolanda had triplets.
One of them went missing.
His name is Guillermo.
He came from the United States
to spend Christmas here,
and then he disappeared.
And Carmelita.
Her son Moisés disappeared
along with three other boys.
And Mari.
Her son José Manuel went missing in 2010.
Well, at that time,
around 2009, 2010,
the cartels recruited boys his age.
Those times were terrible.
So many kids went missing.
We had to learn how to look for them.
Search wherever we heard
someone had seen anything,
like a trace
or something that they left behind.
Then it was like, "Come on, girls!"
If we were lucky,
we found an ID or maybe some hints.
Something that belonged to someone
that we could then identify.
And so, we had to teach ourselves
how to conduct these search missions.
We learned how to follow a path
that might lead us to our people.
So we did this completely
by ourselves, us ladies.
The government doesn't care.
They don't help.
They're not interested at all.
- It's sad.
- [police siren blaring]
- [whistling]
- [woman 2] Oh my God.
[woman 3] Come here. I found something!
- Come on!
- [man] Let's see, Lalo. Bring the machete!
[woman 1] Let's go.
It seems important.
[bees buzzing]
[man] Hey, bring me the ladder!
[woman 3] Here comes the ladder.
- [man 2] Careful.
- [man 1] Make sure it's stable.
[woman] Don't worry. It's safe.
We don't want anybody to fall.
[suspenseful music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
[woman 3] Is it too deep?
[woman 1] No, it's not deep, really.
It looks like clothes.
- We are not going to need a lot of people.
- [woman 4] Does it smell bad?
[woman 1] A little. Okay, I'm going down.
Who else is coming?
- [woman 4] Can I go?
- [woman 1] Sure, no problem. Let's go.
l think I'd like to go too.
Are you sure?
- [Julia] Yes, I'm sure.
- [man] Tere, get me those gloves, please.
Tere give her a face mask
and a pair of gloves.
- Okay, I'll bring them.
- Mm-hmm.
Mari, pass them those flashlights,
down there if you would. Come on.
Please be careful on the ladder.
Watch your step and...
You may find something down there.
- [Julia] Mm.
- It might smell really foul and, uh...
It could be super strong,
but that's why you wear the face mask.
Don't pick anything up, please.
If you find something, let us know, okay?
- [Julia] Yes. I am coming.
- Okay. We'll be here monitoring you.
Well, uh, then, Lupita is also going down.
I think, she told me.
[Lupita] Yes, here I am.
[woman 1] Make sure
the ladder is well-placed.
- [woman 2] It is. I'm with her.
- [woman 1] Be careful, please.
- Put on the face mask.
- Is that Julia?
Yes.
[woman 2] Be very careful
because there was a beehive down there.
It's small, but be careful with it.
Hold the ladder steady!
It feels unstable.
[footsteps]
[click]
D AND N
[ominous music playing]
[loud scraping]
[woman 2] Bring the light over.
There's something here!
[unsettling music playing]
[Abril] How many hidden graves
have you found with the group?
[woman] They're only hidden for us.
They know where they put them.
They know where they are.
- [Abril] Who are they? Who made them?
- [woman] Those who needed to make them.
[Abril] Who are you looking for, Lupita?
[Lupita]
I'm looking for Daniel, my brother,
who disappeared with Gerardo,
the brother of Dianee.
They were intercepted by those criminals,
who asked us for a ransom
for them. We paid it,
and to this date,
they never returned them to us.
Eight of the suspects they interviewed
said in custody
that after they were killed,
they cooked them.
What does "cooked" mean?
They say that it means
actually chopping them up.
And burning them in barrels
and spreading them over the ground.
It's what we have
mostly been seeing out here.
- [woman 1] Let's see, girls.
- [woman 2] Let's eat. I'm hungry.
Okay, yes. This is what we brought.
- [woman 2] Sit down.
- Enjoy.
Go ahead.
[indistinct chatter]
Because we started looking ourselves.
So these years you've not been contacted
by the Prosecutor's Office?
- The government? Contacting us? No.
- I mean, directly, to discuss your case.
- [woman] We have to move this table.
- One with chicharrón, please.
I'll take care of the officer.
[indistinct chatter and laughter]
[woman 5] That's right,
you better believe it.
Too much.
[woman 6] Aren't you taking a test
one of these days, officer?
["El Listón de tu Pelo"
by Los Ángeles Azules playing]
I'm bad at dancing,
but, oh well. I try my best.
You want to dance?
Come on!
That's the way.
Julia... Julia, come on!
[all clapping]
Let's go!
["El Listón de tu Pelo" continues playing]
- [camera shutter clicking]
- [woman] Lupita only dances rancheras.
- [clapping]
- [woman 2] No, no, I have to lead you.
- Oh!
- By my hand. Follow me.
- [laughs]
- Whoo!
[laughter echoing]
[song fades away]
[wind blowing]
[car approaches and stops]
[car door opens]
- Ladies.
- [Lupita] Good morning, prosecutor.
- Good afternoon, Lupita.
- [Lupita] Do you know what time it is?
- Sorry, Lupita.
- I guess you had a good night sleep.
- I had a meeting. You know how this is.
- [Lupita] The others are over there.
- Good. Hello, ladies.
- [Lupita] They've waited for two hours.
Prosecutor Rodriguez,
may I ask you some questions?
No, no, this is not a good time.
- It'll only be a few minutes.
- Not now.
Excuse me.
Mrs. Velázquez.
- Prosecutor.
- How's it going?
What are you doing here?
Uh, fixing other people's mistakes.
But the real question is,
why are you here?
Well, doing other people's job.
Pardon me.
[Rodríguez] Let's see
what's going on here.
[insects chirping]
Hey, come look.
An article about the bodies
of the women found in the trailer.
It's been picked up by at least
ten national news channels.
It's even a trending topic.
I think your friend, the commander
won't be very happy about this.
[chuckles]
Ah.
I know.
[video calling app ringing]
- Hello, my love.
- [Emilia] Hi, Mami!
- How are you?
- Good.
- Where are you?
- Here in a very pretty hotel and you?
- Home.
- You already had dinner?
- Yeah, I did.
- What did you eat?
I ate pollito with vegetables.
It was delicious.
- You miss me?
- Mucho, mamá.
But I'll be back soon,
and we're going to be together
because I miss you very much.
[introspective music playing]
- Is this okay?
- Yes, thanks.
- [Julia] Thanks.
- Have a nice day.
[phone chimes]
[line calling]
[saleswoman] Can I get you something else?
[line calling]
[automated voice]
Your call will be transferred
to an automatic voice message system.
[Pedro] Hello? Hello?
Hey, dude, if you really knew me,
you'd know that
I never listen to my messages.
[beep]
[engine rumbling]
[vehicle slightly speeds up]
[engine running]
[vehicle moves forward]
[vehicle speeds up]
- [vehicle brakes]
- What do you want?!
[breathing shakily]
Abril.
Abril.
I'm going to the bathroom.
[lock clicks]
[bus brakes]
[engine running]
[passengers muttering softly]
[bus door opens]
- [man] Good evening.
- [driver] Hello.
- [man] Doing a check-up.
- [driver] Go ahead.
[man] Lights on, please.
- Thanks.
- [passengers chattering]
[man] Shh, shh.
Documents.
Move, asshole.
- What are you looking at, man?
- [passenger] Nothing, nothing.
Documents.
[muttering]
[passengers continue muttering]
They're writing something.
Probably their names.
[passengers continue muttering]
[man] Shh. There he comes.
- Come with me.
- You can't take me. No!
- [Abril] You can't take me.
- Move on!
This is illegal. You can't take me!
I belong to a journalism network!
- You can't do this! This is illegal!
- Move on!
I won't go.
I work for a network of journalists.
If something happens to me,
they'll look for me. You can't take me!
I'm Abril Escobedo and I am a journalist!
My name is Abril Escobedo
and I am a journalist!
Help me! My name is Abril Escobedo!
- You can't get me off the bus! Julia!
- [man 2] Let's go.
[Abril] You can't take me! Help me!
- [Abril screams]
- [man] Won't you stop!?
- Help me! My name is Abril Escobedo!
- [bus door closes]
- [Abril] You can't take me!
- [sobbing]
- [men clamoring]
- [man 3] Get her!
Get that bitch in the car! Now!
- [men speaking indistinctly]
- [Abril] Help me!
- [Abril screaming, desperate]
- [Julia sobbing]
[indistinct shouting]
Let's go!
[muffled] No!
[distressing music playing]
[sobbing]
[unsettling music playing]
[inaudible wailing]
[unsettling music continues]
[Rodríguez] Julia!
- Julia!
- No...
- Julia...
- Do not touch me! You killed her!
- Take it easy.
- It was you!
- Nothing will happen to her.
- Get off me!
[Julia sobbing]
Traitors!
[gasping]
You're paid to take care of us,
and you're the ones making us disappear.
Julia, they've been asking about you.
- No...
- You gotta go.
- That's what I came to tell you.
- Who's asking about me?!
I just wanted to find my daughter, and
now I'm looking for Abril, who's missing.
You're right.
You don't have to believe me.
But you're pissing off
a lot of the wrong people,
and I don't want you
to continue risking your life.
Please, come with me.
[car horn honking]
[police siren blaring]
[clamoring]
[Rodríguez] Come on, Julia.
We don't have much time.
Hurry! Come on, Julia.
- [women chanting] We want them alive!
- What are we doing here?
[women] We want them alive!
[exhales]
We caught him a few weeks ago
in a sting operation
where we were trying to capture
the heads of the cartel
in the area where Ger disappeared.
This isn't the big boss, but we know
he worked the area around the bars
where Ger was seen the last time.
He has good contacts,
and they will release him.
[man] Go talk to the lady.
[clamoring continues outside]
[helicopter blades whirring]
[phone keyboard clacking]
[Julia] This is Ger.
Mm.
Here she is with my son, Pedro.
And... and...
Ah, here she is
playing basketball... in middle school.
Competing in the nationals.
Did she win?
She got second.
[boy] Let me see.
What happened to her nose?
Hmm. She took a ball head on.
She bled a lot, but...
she didn't care.
She returned to the court.
[boy chuckles softly]
She should've won.
Don't look for her.
You won't find her.
Why?
What did you do to her? Where is she?
[inhales]
She was doing blow with her friends,
but it wasn't any of ours.
Just because of that?
- Also, she was hot.
- [gasps]
That's enough.
Let me go or you're going to be fucked.
[indistinct police radio chatter]
[unsettling music playing]
Julia, are you okay?
If they stop you for any reason,
give them this code.
Julia.
[muffled] Julia, you have to go.
You have to leave now.
I'll call you if I find anything
about your friend, but go now.
Hurry, Julia!
Please go! Please listen to me!
You have to go!
Please, hurry up. You need to leave!
Julia!
[unsettling music continues]
- [Rodríguez] You have to leave!
- [elevator dings]
[muffled] Get out. Now! Go away!
Julia, you need to leave. Go now.
[distorted] Julia, you need to leave.
Julia, you need to go!
[elevator doors close loudly]
[elevator bell dings]
[elevator bell dings]
[boy] Don't look for her.
[loud ringing]
[boy, echoing] You won't find her.
[elevator bell dings]
[ringing continues]
[indistinct chatter, muffled]
[ringing continues]
[distant bang]
[bustle]
[woman] Come on! Let's go! Let's go!
[loud clamoring]
NOT ONE MORE
[chanting] Not one more! Not one more!
Not one more! Not one more!
WE ARE NOT AFRAID
I EXIST BECAUSE I RESIST
[clamoring continues]
[women chanting] Tremble!
Let the macho pigs tremble!
[clamoring]
Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
[women chanting] We want them back alive!
We want them back alive!
We want them back alive!
THEY'RE KILLING US
[chanting] Not one more! Not one more!
Not one more! Not one more murdered!
Not one more! Not one more!
Not one more! Not one more!
- [loud screaming]
- [intense drumming]
[clamoring continues]
[chanting] Why do they kill us
if we are the future of Latin America?
NO MORE MASSACRES
[chanting] Let the macho pigs tremble!
Feminism will reign
throughout Latin America!
[shouting]
[chanting] Sister, you're right,
your cause is my fight!
[sobbing]
[chanting] You are not alone!
You are not alone! You are not alone!
You are not alone! You are not alone!
You are not alone! You are not alone!
You are not alone! You are not alone!
You are not alone! You are not alone!
WE LOVE YOU!
UNTIL WE FIND YOU
[woman] Testing, testing,
one, two, three. Testing.
[women continue chanting]
[woman] We should not have to be here.
[women cheering]
[woman] We should not have to look for
our family members or ask where they are
or who took them.
We should not have to defend
our fundamental rights.
- [women cheering]
- But we do it!
We have always done it.
We are here because of anger.
Because of love.
Because we're tired.
- We are together...
- [cheering]
...because prey animals
always travel in herds.
And this herd will be afraid no more!
[cheering]
[woman] Not of the wolves!
Nor the lions!
Not even the worst predators!
[cheering]
[woman] Because they have taken
everything from us.
They take away the bodies
and souls of our sisters.
They take away their names.
They get reduced to a file.
That's why we are fighting!
[women] Yes!
[woman] For our girls!
For the mothers and grandmothers!
For the crazy ones!
- And for the others!
- [women] Yes!
[woman] And for ourselves!
[woman 2] Justice!
'Cause we are here
and we're not going to let them rest!
[cheering]
[woman] So that the eyes of our women
plunge into their minds like daggers!
So that you learn their full names!
[women] Yes!
- Their faces burn into your thoughts!
- [women] Yes!
Their age and height
and the place where they disappeared.
We are here to say,
once again, that in Mexico,
women get murdered
and disappear every day!
[indistinct chanting]
And the government is an accomplice!
[clamoring]
[woman] And those who stay silent
are helping them!
[clamoring]
[woman] But we are not accomplices.
Every one of us is willing
to give everything we have!
[cheering]
[woman] Because each missing person
is a part of our bodies.
[women] Yes!
They have to know
that we are not afraid anymore!
They'll see that women are here
and we're coming for them now!
Justice! Justice! Justice! Justice!
Justice! Justice!
- [loud bang]
- Justice! Justice!
- [panicked screaming]
- [loud bang]
[officer] Round them up. Round them up!
[loud bang]
- [screaming]
- [officer] Containment, containment!
Round them up! To the ground!
To the ground! To the ground!
- [police siren blaring]
- [panicked screaming]
[clamoring]
[girl 1] Here, please! Follow me!
[girl 2] Don't stay behind!
- [light switch bangs]
- [screaming]
[clamoring]
[glass shatters]
Come on, come on, run, run, run!
[clamoring]
[girl 3] Come on, come on!
[loud clattering]
[clamoring and screaming continue]
[officer] Go, go, go!
Round them up! Round them up!
[officer 2] Get out of the way!
Get on the floor!
[screaming continues]
[woman 4] Help us repost this, please.
They have us surrounded.
These bastards got in.
They took our sisters.
They waited until nightfall
after the media had left.
[clamoring continues]
- Please! Please! Help us!
- Come on, before they see us!
Please, open the door!
Open the door. They're coming!
[screaming]
[indistinct shouting]
[loud bang]
[women shouting]
[glass shatters]
[chanting] The oppressive state
is a macho rapist!
The oppressive state is a macho rapist!
The oppressive state is a macho rapist!
The oppressive state is a macho rapist!
The oppressive state is a macho rapist!
[clamoring continues]
[unsettling music playing]
[baby crying]
[woman 1] Come with me.
Don't be scared. Shh.
It's going to be fine.
It's going to be okay.
[child cries]
Come with me. Don't be scared!
Don't be scared, baby. Don't be scared.
- Shh, shh.
- [woman 2] Someone's coming.
I think they're here.
- [door opens]
- It's okay.
[woman 3] Hand your baby over to me.
Everything will be okay.
We are going to protect you.
[shouting]
- [loud banging]
- [women screaming]
[screaming]
[crash]
[blows being struck]
[loud thud]
[muffled screams]
[unsettling music playing]
[men shouting indistinctly]
[unsettling music rising]
[clamoring fades]
[hopeful music playing]
[wind blowing]
The group Voice and Dignity
for Our People, San Luis Potosí,
is made up of over 300 families
searching for loved ones.
In Mexico, since the start
of the so-called war on drugs,
the official number of missing persons
stands at over 90,000.
THIS IS NOT ABOUT NUMBERS
IT'S ABOUT PEOPLE
♪ Milynali Piña Pérez ♪
♪ José Arturo Domínguez Pérez ♪
♪ Alexis Domínguez Pérez ♪
♪ Ignacio Pérez Rodríguez ♪
♪ Aldo de Jesús Pérez Salazar ♪
♪ Daniel Elías Mendiola Acosta ♪
♪ Gerardo Uribe Rodríguez ♪
♪ Fidel Barragán Salazar ♪
[plaintive music playing]
♪ José Manuel Yáñez Torres ♪
♪ Juan Carlos Martínez Hernández ♪
♪ Edgar Daniel Hernández Torres ♪
♪ Moisés Gámez Almanza ♪
♪ Perla Guadalupe Padrón Castillo ♪
♪ Guillermo Díaz Niño ♪
♪ Daniela Mabel Sánchez Curiel ♪
♪ Gustavo Nájera Ayllón ♪
♪ Lizbeth Hernández Cervantes ♪
♪ Zahira Itzel Hernández Díaz ♪
♪ Adulfa Pomposa Cerqueda Martínez ♪
♪ Roberto Córdoba Ruiz ♪
♪ Erik Flores Cortés ♪
♪ Jesús Rodolfo Franco Galindo ♪
[names overlapping in song]
María José Córdova would like to thank...
My parents, brothers, and adopted sister.
Natalia for another new journey.
Julieta for giving us a voice.
Rafiel and Manolo. Chivi.
Gabriel Nuncio and Bengala.
Bárbara and Fede. Karla for hosting us.
Gabriela, Vicks, and María.
San Luis Potosí and its people
for welcoming us and for all your love.
The Autonomous University
of San Luis Potosí. My friends.
Karla Badillo would like to thank...
My mother and father and my siblings.
Natalia for embroidering
such a moving story.
María Jose and Rafa,
for teaching me and showing me the way.
Fede and Bárbara, for coming aboard.
Gaby, for rowing with me.
Julieta, our rudder.
Voice and Dignity, for their tirelessness.
All the production team. UASLP.
My beloved state,
San Luis Potosí, a surreal place.
Everyone who shared their story,
their pain, and their hope with us.
Natalia Beristain would like to thank...
This film would not have been possible
without the justified fury,
the joy, the intelligence,
the determination, and the courage
I have seen in so many women.
The women who search tirelessly
for their loved ones.
People like you
keep the fabric of our nation intact.
All those who shared their story.
Those who, through their work or presence,
have shown me the way.
My mother. My daughter.
These are some of the works and movements
that, knowingly or unknowingly,
accompanied me
during the making of this film.
These names and these causes
all influenced the creation of this NOISE.