Border Justice

Upon watching the opening frames of this movie, I thought, great another immigrant tale. Another movie about the struggle of immigrants coming across the border. Another movie that portrays the dependence of these immigrants upon the United States for survival. Another movie that puts the blame on the immigrants themselves for being stupid enough to make this trek across the desert into the United States. Unlike other movies that I have seen about immigrants, this particular movie had a connection to so many Mexican Americans in our country today.

Not only did it show the story of immigrants crossing the border it showed the corruption of the border patrol and the existence of vigilante groups that are present on the border. It showed the confusion and discontent a Mexican-American man has for his own people. I say confusion because I don’t think the protagonist really knew why he hated these people that shared his blood line, he only knew that he hated them.

As the protagonist puts himself in the immigrants shoes he came, not easily, to a better understanding of “his people.” After his plan, as an undercover vigilante poses as a immigrant crossing with a group illegals, goes terribly wrong resulting in deaths of his partners, the protagonist has a rude awakening with reality. He is treated as horribly or actually similarly to animals by living in a stable with the others he crossed with. He experiences first hand the violence, and exploitation of the “sponsors” who take in these immigrants, not for free but for a year worth of labor. We all think that immigrants come over and take the service jobs, such as in restaurants, laundries, and in the fields. We do not realize that they are also being put to work making illegal drugs. The life span of this job is only a few months due to the inhaling of the chemicals, and the violent toll on the body.   

Writer/director/protagonist, John Carlos Frey, is no stranger to the tales of immigrants coming across the border illegally. After interviewing many immigrants and hearing similar tales of exploitation, rape, and of being hired to make drugs, plus his life experiences of growing up a half mile north of Tijuana he had his basis for making his film. Frey financed the film on his own after Hollywood declined to buy the screenplay.

I was fortunate enough to hear Mr. Frey answer questions about the production of his film. I was not only impressed by his intelligence but also with his passion at attempting to get the message out to the American people of the battle that is happening on the border. He has approached politicians on both sides of the border, large and local communities. He has made a huge impact in my life and I would hope that others will receive this candidness and honesty with his film. This is not a film to take lightly, it is vitally important to our countries future.

To learn more about the film please click on the following link The GateKeeperFilm.