Christmas Eve 2007 - The Martinez Family

This photo was taken in Galveston, Texas at Moody Gardens. What a perfect day. The family celebrated a special weekend enjoying the festive lights, the rides, skating at the ice rink, and the IMAX movies.

Times like these are rare, but Mr. and Mrs. Martinez ensure that their family remains close and build memories when they can afford them. The times are changing and family pressure seems to be at an all time high. There are so many uncertainties that challenge the Martinez family. A large family has special needs and each has learned to depend on the other. Something threatens to tear them apart. They have never talked about it as a family, but know the day of reckoning approaches. Time is so precious, each moment together is sweeter. Can they survive what awaits them? "El Nacional" is coming to a theatre near you in 2009!

"El Nacional" will grip you and your family. Journey with the Martinez family as they face a challenge beyond their worst fears. This movie will make you love your family even more.

Angelica Martinez (Age 16), Last Seen in the Rio Grande Valley

Angelica loves her life. She has managed to excel in her studies, made it as the head cheerleader, and yet she struggles each day with severe juvenile diabetes requiring her to monitor her blood sugar every hour. Her family knows what happens to her body when she failed to monitor it in the past, and everyone knows what to do when she starts to go into shock. Today she had to grow up fast and take on more responsibility than she ever thought possible. Her life is now on hold and her dreams seem to be slipping away. She will never be the same after today, but she still carries her hope wherever she goes.

Alex Martinez (Age 11), Last Seen in San Antonio, Texas

Alex is a shy, good-looking kid with strong interests in computer games. If given the preference, he would rather be alone listening to his music and playing computer games on-line against formidable opponents. He is well-known for his gaming skills and loves to win any battle he faces. Today his challenge is real and the life he has known has been turned upside down. He is angry and wants to know what happened. He especially wants to know why he can't go home tonight and misses his mom and dad.

Monica Martinez (Age 6), Last Seen in Galveston, Texas

Today, Monica awoke to a normal life. She dressed for school and was anxious to meet her friends. She is a leader in her circle. She loves to read, sing, and dance. One day hopes to make it big as an entertainer. She and her older brother Alex (age 11) rarely get along. Monica is strong-willed and assertive for her age, but she is still sensitive. She was not prepared for what happened today and wants to know what went wrong. She wants to know why her brothers and sisters are so afraid. Her life will never be the same.

Irasema Martinez (Age 5), Last Seen in Houston, Texas

Irasema is a typical young girl with an atypical challenge. She is outgoing and loves to laugh and play with her brothers and sisters when she can get their attention. Her family loves her outgoing maturity and the respect that she shows to her elders. She is a worrier and is concerned for her eldest sister, Angelica, who has diabetes and requires careful observation as she deals with her illness.

"El Nacional" Movie for 35mm Release - Shooting February 2008

Welcome to the "El Nacional" movie blog. "El Nacional" in English, means "The National". What is a "National" or "El Nacional"? This movie by Director Baldemar Rodriguez, explores issues that will grip you and your family in a way that only the movies can.

Join us on this journey, as we introduce you to "The Martinez's," a typical Mexican-American family; but, they have a secret.

What would you do to keep your family together, if faced with overwhelming challenges that could tear them apart?