...And the Earth Did Not Swallow Him (1995)

In the harsh Texan landscape, young Marcos is the second son of a migrant farmworker family, wrestling with the absence of his older brother, lost to the Korean war. The family's journey takes us north to Minnesota, tracing the path of the crops they depend on for survival. Their living conditions are bleak, the labor exhaustive, and even basic necessities like water are often denied by their unyielding boss. Disease, particularly tuberculosis, is a silent predator, gnawing at their health, ignored due to lack of resources and constant labor. The moments of relative prosperity bring momentary relief, with adults earning a meager $15 a day and children half that amount. In a dark chapter of his young life, Marcos is left under the care of a morally bankrupt couple while his parents are away, marking a turning point as he's expelled from school for retaliating against an injustice. Seeking solace amongst the quiet residents of a graveyard, Marcos finds a unique sanctuary. As his parents pine for their missing son, and the local community finds solace in the enchanting melodies of a troubadour, Marcos becomes an observer, absorbing the heartaches, joys, and the poignant truths of life. Through the eyes of this young dreamer, the narrative weaves a tale of resilience, longing, and the enduring human spirit.

...And the Earth Did Not Swallow Him is a drama movie featuring Lupe Ontiveros and directed by Severo Perez.

...And the Earth Did Not Swallow Him is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.