Óscar Torres, the man on whom the story is based, was on set for most of the shoot. He was often seen crying between takes off set, saying the shots brought back painful memories.
The main character's name, Chava, is the diminutive (nickname) for anyone named Salvador, which is also the name of the country the story takes place.
Official submission from Mexico for the 77th Academy Awards.
Despite the story centering Salvadoran children and People, none of the actual cast members were Salvadoran or of Salvadoran decent, all actresses and actors were Mexican, Chilean, or Guatemalan.
Based on a true story.