Cartel Land

[ironymaiden]

Documentary: parallel narrative of a vigilante group in the US and a vigilante group in Mexico, both responding to the drug trade. the access and the cinematography were quite remarkable. i was glad that i stayed for the director Q&A afterward; he was dealing with some weird partisan vibes in the questioning, and repeatedly stated how it was important to him that he document rather than attempt to prove a thesis.* i loved the style, but i'm afraid that people will remember that the Mexican leader is flawed and not remember that he was responding to entire families being murdered, or notice that the US vigilantes catch illegal immigrants rather than drug mules. anyway, great film, did well at Sundance, has theatrical distribution this summer and then will be on A&E. (it would be better in the theater, the language is too salty for tv.)

*this was a film where i felt like the people asking questions didn't actually watch the film. at least three different times. an example... Q: do they work with the Border Patrol? A: well, that scene with the truck that said 'Border Patrol' on it was from the Border Patrol. me: *sigh*

Comments

[scarlettina.livejournal.com]

One of the volunteers I spoke with on SUnday was very excited about this documentary, and I remember that a couple of the programmers were, too. Perhaps I'll catch it in distribution--or maybe as part of Best of the Fest if it's chosen.