Elián González 'El Balserito': Tribeca Film Festival Premieres Documentary Based On His Life

After 18 years of his shipwreck, Elián González, the boy who became a symbol of immigration after being rescued off the coast of Florida on November 25, 1999, is part of a historical review of his life that is going to be released in theaters in May.

The film directed by Tim Golden and Ross McDonnell, produced by Alex Gibney and co-produced by CNN Films, tells the story of a little boy who, along with his mother, Elizabeth Brotons, her boyfriend, and twelve others, embark a small aluminum boat that would take them from Cuba to the United States.

González's mother and ten others died in the crossing. González and other two survivors floated at sea until they were rescued by two fishermen, who handed them over to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The story of Elián González quickly became an emblem of custody struggle between the two countries, as well as Elian's family in Cuba and the family that received him in the United States.

New York Tribeca Film Festival presented the documentary that takes by name "Elián" and is narrated by the actor Raúl Esparza. According to Univision, the producer comments that although the happened was a popular subject, neither Elián nor his father, had told the story. "The story is so well known but neither Elian nor his father really had the opportunity to tell and explore their memories, their understanding and their concerns about what happened, and the impact it had on their families," says Trevor Birney.

"Much of what we have seen happening between the Obama administration and Cuba began with the crisis of Elián González. We felt it was relevant and relevant not only to the US audience but to audiences around the world who are trying to understand the dynamics of relationship between the US and Cuba," he added.

Elián, the film, will hit theaters in May 19.