There’s an important story that is not getting the recognition it deserves. Based on true events, SARIA follows two inseparable orphaned sisters, Saria and Ximena, who fight against the daily abuse and unimaginable hardship at the Virgen de La Asuncion Safe Home in Guatemala. Tragically a devastating fire claimed the lives of 41 of the girls. Only 15 managed to survive. Thanks to an Academy Award nomination this story is now coming to the forefront in search of justice.

Saria – L to R – Activist Estephany Raquel Arreaga Jimenez, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, and Filmmaker Bryan Buckley

Now two-time Oscar nominated director, Bryan Buckley joined Congressmen Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) on Capitol Hill to discuss the next phase of the campaign to bring justice for the victims of the deadly fire. The group was joined by Estephany Raquel Arreaga Jimenez, a Guatemalan activist who was one of the first-responders the day of the fire and whose tireless work has supported the 15 surviving girls throughout their strained road to recovery.

Earlier this week, Reps Espaillat and Gonzalez sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urging him to call on the Guatemalan government to investigate the whereabouts of the surviving children and take steps to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.

Nearly three years since the tragic fire in Guatemala that killed 41 teenage girls, the country is still embroiled in a fight for justice. In the aftermath of the disastrous fire, there have been reports of sex trafficking and egregious abuse at the hands of officials who were responsible for protecting the children in their care. As legal efforts work their way through the Guatemalan courts to hold responsible actors accountable, this meeting marks a turning point in the US’ commitment to justice.

Filmmaker Bryan Buckley said: “I am extremely hopeful that after our meeting with Congressmen Espailat and Gonzalez that every possible effort is being made by them to secure welfare of the surviving children.  We pray that Secretary State Pompeo takes action. These girls are victims of horrific burns and disfigurement. The relatives of the deceased 41 orphan girls have had three years of suffering with no justice.  A trial must happen. And justice must be served.”

“The wounds left from the fire at Virgen de la Asunción Safe Home have continued to manifest across Guatemala and the rest of Latin America nearly three years later,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat. “The orphans who lived in that home suffered systemic abuse, exploitation and terror, with the fire marking a tragic miscarriage of a primary tenet shared throughout the international community: the safety of our children is paramount. I am optimistic that President Giammattei will refocus the gaze of lady justice, and ultimately compel the answers that the victim’s families, the Latino community, and the survivors deserve.”

 “A society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable,” said Congressman Vicente Gonzalez. “The new Giamattei administration has the unique opportunity to seek long overdue justice for the victims of the fire and secure the welfare of the survivors of this horrific accident. It is my hope that President Giammattei and Secretary Pompeo will seize this opportunity to address the safety and health needs of children and orphans in Guatemala and prevent such tragedies from happening ever again.”

Concurrently, Academy Award nominated filmmaker, Bryan Buckley has released a docu-drama called SARIA, that powerfully visualizes the story for the world stage.
Rather than using traditional child actors to play the roles of the orphans, filmmaker Buckley opted to reach out to orphanages throughout Mexico to participate in the film. Ultimately selecting Ministerios De Amor Orphanage in Mexico City to work with in partnership. Buckley felt that these children, if given an opportunity, could shine. Both lead actresses, Estefania Tellez (Saria) and Gabriela Ramirez (Ximena) worked together to get their parts in the film.  For more information:  www.sariafilm.com

SARIA opens Friday in theaters across the nation through “Shorts TV Presents 2020 Oscar Nominated Shorts” screening program. The film’s wider release coincides with an effort to raise awareness in the US and serve as a catalyst for action in Guatemala. Check here for local theaters and times:   www.shorts.tv/theoscarshorts