In a world often divided by borders, one filmmaker strives to remind us of our shared humanity.
d.b. Roderick, an award-winning screenwriter and film director known for his poignant
storytelling and profound themes, shared his latest screenplay "No Olvidado" This script
presents a powerful narrative inspired by true events that transpired during the filming of
Dangerous Crossings an NBC News Documentary produced by Roderick in 2000.
No Olvidado explores the intertwined lives of four individuals seeking a better future, set against
the backdrop of the Mexico-U.S. border during the tumultuous events leading up to 9/11.
The narrative delves into the motivations and desires that compel people to cross both literal and
metaphorical boundaries.
No Olvidado trscends the mere concept of crossing borders; it stands as a testament to the
unwavering spirit of human resilience. Roderick adeptly captures the essence of willpower and
unity, illustrating how these human traits can surpass any physical or political barrier. Through
the personal journeys of his characters, he conveys a broader message about the strength found
in unity and the enduring hope for a world without divides.
The story is not just about borders, but it's about lives and willpower, which is stronger than any
other border, d.b. Roderick’s “No Olvidado” describes the story that gets buried under the dust
of borders.
We got the chance to have a conversation with d.b. Roderick to get to know more about his
screenplay.
Qs. One: Hi Roderick, Hope you are doing well. What drew you to craft the storyline of
“No Olvidado”?
Throughout my eclectic career in the film and television industry, I have had the privilege to
travel extensively, meeting people from all walks of life and narrating their stories through
documentaries.“No Olvidado”; was birthed from my work on Dangerous Crossing for
NBC News. The project mirrored the character of Nyles Silva, a protagonist in my story, as
it was conceived during a challenging time of industry layoffs as a way to secure my
position. During this period, tragic stories of migrants at the southwest border were
rampant, but the heartbreaking incident of migrants perishing from heatstroke in a locked
trailer was the catalyst for my deeper exploration into these journeys. Initially, my views
were shaped by stereotypes, but through research and firsthand encounters, I realized
these individuals were not the criminals they were often portrayed to be; they were simply
people in search of a better life. While I do not condone illegal border crossings, I am a
strong advocate for compassionate immigration policies that reflect the foundational values
of the United States.

Qs. Two: “No Olvidado” the title is extremely captivating. How did you decide the title of the
story?
The title “No Olvidado” which translates to "Not Forgotten" in Spanish, was a poignant
choice. During the filming in Mexico, we stumbled upon potters fields where unclaimed or
unidentified migrants were laid to rest, having perished in their quest for a better life. The
title serves as a tribute to these individuals, ensuring their stories are remembered.
Qs. Three: “No Olvidado” carries a very strong message, and the characters are inspired by the
true events. How long did it take to shape your thoughts into a screenplay? Any special moment
or memory regarding “No Olvidado” you want to share with our audience?
The screenplay for “No Olvidado” evolved over several years, inspired by the real events
captured during "Dangerous Crossings." I sought an innovative format to intertwine
multiple storylines, drawing inspiration from Steven Soderberghs Traffic; which
encouraged me to craft a narrative featuring four protagonists connected through Nyles
Silva, the main storyteller. This method allowed me to convey the intricate human
experiences central to the narrative.
Qs. Four: What do you want the audience to feel after going through your screenplay?
I want the audience to feel as though they've journeyed to new places, met unfamiliar faces,
and uncovered stories that offer fresh perspectives. My aspiration is to expand their
understanding of the diverse human experiences portrayed in the screenplay.
Qs. Five: When will viewers expect to watch this story as a movie? Is this will be a theatrical
release or would you prefer a streaming platform.
While my foremost wish is for a theatrical release, we are also considering streaming
platforms like Netflix, HBO, and Hulu to ensure the story reaches a broader audience.
Qs. Six: Are you looking for a producer or will you be the self-producer for your script?
I'm searching for an independent producer or studio that possesses the boldness and
passion to bring this significant story to the big screen. Their dedication will be vital in
realizing "No Olvidado" to its fullest potential.
Qs. Seven: As the world is going through a crisis, where the self-proclaimed leaders are trying to
grab the position of each other, what is your take on this current scenario?
Amidst the turmoil of today's global crises, where leaders seem caught in a perpetual
struggle for dominance, I find myself deeply concerned about the trajectory of our societies
and the evident erosion of empathy. With a background in news, I've always endeavored to
maintain neutrality, striving to understand multiple perspectives. In this context, I see my
work in film and writing not just as creative outlets but as powerful tools to inspire change.

Through storytelling, I aim to touch hearts and minds, fostering empathy and
understanding in a world that desperately needs both. Art, I believe, holds the potential to
bridge divides and encourage us to see the shared humanity in each other.
Qs. Eight: When did you start your journey as a scriptwriter? And what is your favorite genre?
Reflecting on my journey as a scriptwriter, it's difficult to pinpoint exactly when it began,
as storytelling feels like an intrinsic part of who I am. I suppose I was born with a pen and
paper in hand, always driven by an urge to weave my thoughts into narratives. My identity
as a storyteller truly took shape when I was honored with the role of Artist In Residence at
Emerson College in Boston. There, I had the privilege of teaching film production and
dramatic screenwriting, which solidified my path. Teaching, as it turns out, is one of the
most profound ways to learn and grow, allowing me to deepen my understanding of
storytelling while inspiring others to find their voices.
Qs. Nine: Just like our thoughts art has no boundary, from where did you get the inspiration to
become a writer?
I feel incredibly fortunate to possess a creative spirit, fueled by inspiration and just enough
talent to express myself through writing, films, and music. Art, in its truest form, should
transcend boundaries, yet we continue to face limitations and a scarcity of opportunities for
expression based on race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation. Every story, whether
through music, dance, theater, or literature, deserves its moment to be told. A high school
football coach once imparted a piece of wisdom that has stayed with me: The worst thing
you can be in life is unrealized potential." This notion fuels my journey as an artist,
constantly evolving and striving for the chance to transform from a work in progress into a
fully realized vision.
Qs. Ten: We want to end our conversation by asking you about your upcoming projects and
when can we see them.
I'm currently in the process of securing a producer and funding for my project, 'No
Olvidado,' which is an essential step in bringing this vision to life. Meanwhile, I'm also
developing a story that explores a profound theme. "Solstice"is a compelling love story that
delves into the loss of innocence when a young couple from different cultural backgrounds
falls in love, only to be torn apart by their families' expectations. Decades later, now adults
scarred by life's trials, and tribulations they attempt to reconnect and rediscover their
youthful innocence. However, they come to a poignant realization, echoing Author, Thomas
Wolfe's sentiment that 'You can never go home again. This project is rich with emotion
and complexity, capturing the intricate dance between past and present.