March 1, 2012
Director’s Statement TO THE BONE is a coming-of-age story about a pre-teen migrant farmworker who attempts to defy her father and rebel against the status quo with unintended consequences for herself and her family. California farming, which grows over half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, is inherent to the state’s identity and essential to its economy.  The fields are idyllic, but they also shield the much darker existence of child farm hands who are growing up as America’s working poor.  We examine present-day democracy by highlighting the dramatic disparity that exists, despite laws that supposedly guarantee equal rights.   The story is inspired by true events in the lives of child migrant workers in California.  Only 55% of child migrant workers will graduate high school.  They endure some of the most dangerous working conditions in the country and face wage exploitation, sexual abuse and sometimes earn only two or three dollars per hour. As of now, there is no legal protection for these children and I hope that this film will help further that cause.  Best Regards, Erin Li Film Independent Project:Involve Directing Fellow

Director’s Statement

TO THE BONE is a coming-of-age story about a pre-teen migrant farmworker who attempts to defy her father and rebel against the status quo with unintended consequences for herself and her family.

California farming, which grows over half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, is inherent to the state’s identity and essential to its economy.  The fields are idyllic, but they also shield the much darker existence of child farm hands who are growing up as America’s working poor.  We examine present-day democracy by highlighting the dramatic disparity that exists, despite laws that supposedly guarantee equal rights.  

The story is inspired by true events in the lives of child migrant workers in California.  Only 55% of child migrant workers will graduate high school.  They endure some of the most dangerous working conditions in the country and face wage exploitation, sexual abuse and sometimes earn only two or three dollars per hour.

As of now, there is no legal protection for these children and I hope that this film will help further that cause. 

Best Regards,

Erin Li

Film Independent Project:Involve Directing Fellow

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