Broken Land

As the topic of the 'Border Wall' continues to dominate the public debate, this documentary offers a timely exposé of contemporary American life at the frontier of the border with Mexico.  Through a myriad of perspectives ranging from outright fear to incendiary hatred, to genuine compassion, what emerges is an endearing and nuanced profile of a society gradually faltering toward schism.

In a two-tone landscape of rolling sand dunes and endless blue skies, a solitary, ugly iron fence cuts a shape through the desert.  It marks a section of the 2,000 mile US-Mexico border, the most frequently traversed international border in the world.  Casting a fresh eye on a heavily debated topic, Broken Land tells the stories of seven American citizens living in the 'militarized zone' on the US side of the fence.  Each faces the divisive issue of illegal immigration in their own way, and their diverse, sometimes tragic experiences weave a compelling tapestry of life -- and politics -- on this frontier.  There are those who welcome the immigrants, providing shelter and supplies, and those who denounce their government's harsh policies and insular surveillance state.  Others live in fear of threats real or perceived, and take it upon themselves to protect their country, patrolling the border with guns and DIY tracking technology.  Meanwhile, in a nearby morgue, hundreds of bodies and skeletons found in the desert lay in cold storage, waiting to be identified. 

75 Minutes | English.