A Documentary Film by Incurrent Media
Brenda
Logline
A mother's unwavering love for her children fuels her strength as she faces unimaginable challenges on a journey to America and meets the ongoing obstacles to build a safer life for her family.
26 minutes, USA, 2025
Synopsis
There is no choice.
Driven by desperation and an unwavering love for her children, Brenda's journey to the United States was not a choice, but a stark necessity. Leaving her home in Honduras, she embarks on a perilous trek through Guatemala and Mexico, facing an uncertain future and the agonizing weight of separation from loved ones.
Along the way, she meets a daunting array of challenges: navigating unfamiliar territories, evading dangerous checkpoints, and enduring the constant threat of violence and deportation. Hunger, exhaustion, and the fear for her son's safety push her to her limits. Yet, amidst the chaos, she finds strength in perseverance.
Brenda eventually finds refuge in the welcoming arms of a New Jersey synagogue. There, amidst the unfamiliar and daunting task of rebuilding her life, she discovers an unexpected wellspring of strength: the unwavering support of her community.
Despite the intensifying and uncertain immigration landscape, Brenda continues to fight tirelessly for the right to stay in the United States with her family. Her story is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, a poignant reminder of how the compassionate embrace of community and the enduring love of family can overcome even the most overwhelming odds.
PRODUCERS
DANNY MONICO | JASMINE WANG
Colleen Baird
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
TATJANA KRSTEVSKI
EDITOR
DANNY MONICO JASMINE WANG
MUSIC
ALI HELWEIN
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
CECILIA DELGADO | PRODUCTION DESIGN KENDRA EAVES
1st ASSISTANT CAMERA BOSKO TRIFUNOVIC | 2nd ASSISTANT CAMERA IVAN RADAVIC
GAFFERS ADAM LUKENS SMOKEY NELSON | GRIPS MIKE FARINO NESTOR CELAYA LESTER BECK
ASST PRODUCTION DESIGN JESS ARENA | HAIR & MAKEUP KATE COHEN
SET PHOTOGRAPHER ELIANA ARIAS | HEALTH & SAFETY EVGENIYA RADILOVA
SOUND DESIGN & MIX JORDAN MOSER | COLOR MIKE FARINO
GRAPHIC DESIGN OLIVER LISTER
DirectED & PRODUCED BY
JASMINE WANG | DANNY MONICO
CO-PRODUCER
Colleen Baird
CINEMATOGRAPHY BY
FELIX PENZARELLA
BRANDON RIPLEY
MATT ALBANO
EDITED BY
EMILY DELANEY
Associate ProducerS
EMILY Vella
WADE SHIELDS
MUSIC BY
ALI HELnWEIN
Brenda
Documentary | 26:30 min | 2025 | 4K
Synopsis
There is no choice.
Driven by desperation and an unwavering love for her children, Brenda's journey to the United States was not a choice, but a stark necessity. Leaving her home in Honduras, she embarks on a perilous trek through Guatemala and Mexico, facing an uncertain future and the agonizing weight of separation from loved ones.
Along the way, she meets a daunting array of challenges: navigating unfamiliar territories, evading dangerous checkpoints, and enduring the constant threat of violence and deportation. Hunger, exhaustion, and the fear for her son's safety push her to her limits. Yet, amidst the chaos, she finds strength in perseverance.
Brenda eventually finds refuge in the welcoming arms of a New Jersey synagogue. There, amidst the unfamiliar and daunting task of rebuilding her life, she discovers an unexpected wellspring of strength: the unwavering support of her community.
Despite the intensifying and uncertain immigration landscape, Brenda continues to fight tirelessly for the right to stay in the United States with her family. Her story is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, a poignant reminder of how the compassionate embrace of community and the enduring love of family can overcome even the most overwhelming odds.
Directors
Jasmine Wang & Danny Monico
Featuring
Brenda Medina Alonzo
Audio language:
Spanish, English
Subtitles language:
English
Crew
Jasmine Wang
Colleen Baird
Emily Vella
Chase Johnson
Director, Producer
Co-Producer
Associate Producer
Colorist
Danny Monico
Emily Delaney
Wade Shields
Director, Producer
Editor
Associate Producer
Behind the Scenes
A stunning tribute to the resilience of Brenda...
BRENDA, the feature documentary from Incurrent Media, is a cinematic tribute to a resilient family and their community, captured during a pivotal moment of transformation and hope.
Inspired by Brenda’s extraordinary story, the film began as an unexpected discovery during work on a separate project. It grew organically through intimate conversations and shared moments, ultimately flourishing into a compelling and authentic glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of life in current-day America.
Filmed over six months, BRENDA captures the deep connections formed in the face of adversity and celebrates the unwavering strength of families navigating immense challenges. The project sheds light on the immigrant experience, highlighting the profound impact of love, perseverance, and the support of a compassionate community.
This film is not just about one family’s journey—it is a reflection of the universal human experience of finding hope, love, and purpose amidst life's uncertainties.
Contact
Incurrent Media LLC
jasmine@incurrentmedia.com
Learn more about how you can help support Brenda and her family: