Walter Thompson-Hernández Film Released in Theaters
The feature film If I Go Will They Miss Me debuted in theaters across the United States this week.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Urban
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Walter Thompson-Hernández has released his latest film, If I Go Will They Miss Me, which tells the story of a young boy creating mythologies about his distant father. The narrative is set in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles and focuses on the experiences of families living under the LAX flight path.
Why it matters
The filmmaker created this project as a representation of hope for communities affected by aviation infrastructure and as a personal ode to Los Angeles. It explores themes of healing and connection through recurring imagery of ocean waves and airplanes.
The production follows a 2022 jury prize win at the Sundance Film Festival for the filmmaker's short film of the same name. It stars actors Danielle Brooks and Bodhi Jordan Dell.
The players
Walter Thompson-Hernández
He is a filmmaker who previously received a jury prize at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival for a short film.
Danielle Brooks
She is an actor who stars in the film If I Go Will They Miss Me.
Bodhi Jordan Dell
He is an actor who plays a role in the feature film directed by Walter Thompson-Hernández.
Delta Air Lines
This aviation company reached a $79 million legal settlement in 2025 following a 2020 fuel dumping incident in Cudahy.
The details
Utilizing symbolism from Greek mythology, the movie portrays a young boy seeking connection with his father. The director draws inspiration from the unique environment of Los Angeles, where approximately 800 airplanes fly into LAX daily.
Timeline
A Delta Air Lines jet dumped 15,000 gallons of fuel over Cudahy in 2020.
The filmmaker earned a jury prize at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
Delta Air Lines agreed to a $79 million settlement in 2025.
The film opened in U.S. theaters on September 18, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This release reflects an ongoing trend of filmmakers using local history and geography to ground personal, character-driven narratives within larger urban environments. It mirrors how regional events influence the creative output of contemporary directors operating within the current streaming and theatrical landscape.
The film is currently available for viewing in theaters across the United States. Prospective viewers should check local listings to confirm showtimes and ticket availability in their area.
The takeaway
This film highlights the complex relationship between city residents and the aviation industry in major metropolitan hubs. Viewers are encouraged to consider the intersection of regional history and artistic storytelling in their local communities.
Further reading
Explore more local cinematic releases in the Urban section.
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