Director Ernesto Melara has worked on several films throughout his life, although he’s actually directed one title. That project now comes to ahead with Magenta Light Studios announcing its acquisition of Fireflies At El Mozote starring Paz Vega.
The film, inspired by the events permeating the 1981 El Mozote massacre in El Salvador, would ultimately be Melara’s only directing credit as the filmmaker sadly passed away a year ago this week at the age of 73 from a heart attack according to reports. Moviegoers can expect this film to hit theaters on April 17.
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March 9, 2026 — Los Angeles, CA — Magenta Light Studios has announced its upcoming Salvadoran Civil War drama FIREFLIES AT EL MOZOTE, starring Paz Vega, will be released in U.S. theaters on April 17, 2026.
Written and directed by the late Ernesto Melara, the film is set in 1980s El Salvador and recounts the story of a 10-year-old boy (Mateo Honles) who survives the massacre of his village, and his quest to bring justice to his dead family in the middle of a bloody civil war.
In addition to Vega and Honles, FIREFLIES AT EL MOZOTE’ stars Juan Pablo Shuk (Netflix series Narcos), Yancey Arias (Queen of the South), Jeff Fahey (Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1) and Mena Suvari (American Beauty). The film is produced by Moctesuma Esparza (Selena), Elias Axume for Premiere Entertainment Group, and Bob Yari for Magenta Light Studios.
Before passing, director Ernesto Melara stated “This film is dedicated to the victims of war violence in El Salvador, and elsewhere throughout Latin America and the rest of the world.”
“Fireflies at El Mozote is a deeply moving film that we believe will resonate strongly with U.S. audiences,” said Yari, CEO of Magenta Light Studios. “We are proud to bring this story to theaters and honor the legacy of director, Ernesto Melara
The film will open in theaters nationwide on April 17, with simultaneous releases in major markets including Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Chicago, Houston, and additional cities across the country.