El Paso Filmmaker Jacqueline Baylon Inches Closer to Oscar Glory

El Paso’s film community is buzzing with excitement as one of its own, Jacqueline Baylon, stands on the threshold of a monumental achievement. Baylon’s short documentary, Until He’s Back, has earned a coveted spot on the Academy’s shortlist for the 2024 Oscars in the Documentary Short Film category.

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The deeply moving film tells the story of Ahmed Tchiche, a father who learns that his son, Yahya, has died at sea while attempting to reach Spain. Determined to give his son a proper goodbye, Ahmed embarks on a heartbreaking journey to bring Yahya’s remains back home to Morocco. Through interwoven threads, Until He’s Back sheds light on the perilous voyage across the Gibraltar Strait and the tragic struggles faced by families trying to recover the bodies of loved ones lost at sea.

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Baylon’s powerful storytelling captivated audiences at the 2024 El Paso Film Festival, where the documentary was one of the standout winners. Now, with its eyes set on Hollywood’s biggest stage, Until He’s Back could propel Baylon to global recognition and cement El Paso’s place in the world of cinema.

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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will reveal the final Oscar nominations on January 17, a date Baylon and her supporters are eagerly awaiting. A nomination would not only spotlight Baylon’s exceptional talent but also celebrate the burgeoning creative energy of El Paso’s artistic community.

For those eager to experience the magic of Until He’s Back, the documentary is available to watch HERE. Witness a story that has resonated far beyond El Paso and could soon find itself honored on one of the most prestigious stages in film.