Prepare to be inspired by the incredible journey of José Hernández, a NASA astronaut and proud Stockton native. This captivating new movie has taken the world by storm, soaring to the top spot on Amazon’s Prime Video platform. Join audiences worldwide as they embark on this remarkable cinematic experience that showcases courage, perseverance, and the limitless power of dreams.
Get ready to be captivated by “A Million Miles Away,” a compelling film that takes you on the incredible journey of Hernández, who transforms from a humble migrant farmworker to an awe-inspiring astronaut exploring the vast depths of outer space. Portraying the protagonist, Michael Peña’s exceptional acting skills bring Hernández’s story to life in this captivating movie experience.
In an interview with KCRA 3, Hernández expressed his astonishment at the unexpected turn his life has taken. He never could have imagined such a remarkable outcome for himself.
Growing up, I never imagined that one day there would be a movie made about my life. So you can understand that it’s not something I had always dreamt of or expected to happen. He expressed his belief that becoming an astronaut and experiencing the world from the outside is a dream come true. Being one of only around 500 individuals who have had this privilege, he considers it a truly unique perspective.
Hernández’s path to space was filled with obstacles. Despite facing rejection from NASA a staggering 11 times, he remained determined and resilient. It was only on his 12th attempt that he finally received acceptance. Hernández strongly believes that sharing his journey in the movie will inspire immigrant families, showcasing the power of perseverance and the endless possibilities that await them.
“I think the biggest takeaway for farm working families is that they are going to see that there is an alternative to living and working in agriculture all their lives,” Hernández said.
According to his account, his father, who immigrated from Mexico, worked as a farmworker despite having only completed third grade education. Remarkably, he credits his father for providing him with the secret recipe for success.
“I always say the biggest thing my father gave me was the license to dream,” Hernández said. “When I first told him I wanted to be an astronaut, he said, define your purpose in life, recognize how far you are, draw yourself a roadmap, prepare yourself accordingly and develop a work ethic second to none. Of course, I add the secret sauce, which is perseverance.”
Hernández said after years of sacrifices, he retired from NASA to be there for his wife and five kids. He’s back to picking grapes with his father near Stockton, but this time, he owns the vineyard and the winery.
“I look at it as coming full circle … I started working in agriculture, and here I am working in agriculture. Albeit, under different conditions now, under my own terms now, and I really, really enjoy it.”
He shares valuable advice for those who have ambitious dreams – the future holds great opportunities, but achieving them often requires putting in the necessary hard work and dedication.
“It’s not easy. It’s hard, but it’s not impossible. If you are willing to make that sacrifice, that commitment to yourself, you can do it,” Hernández said.
You can easily catch the movie “A Million Miles Away” on Prime Video, ensuring you can enjoy it from the comfort of your own home. However, if you prefer a more immersive cinematic experience, there will be exclusive screenings at select movie theaters, including some on UC campuses. So whether you choose to stream it online or watch it on the big screen, this film is accessible to all audiences.
