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THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WALL

Synopsis: 
Ale (18) and Rocio’s (13) relationship is faced with the greatest challenge possible when their mother is imprisoned under dubious charges. They have to act as father and mother to their two younger siblings.Initially they promise to help each other and keep their family together until their mother is released. But as undocumented Honduran immigrants their right to live, work and study in Mexico was already under threat. And soon the prison wall that keeps their mother away gives rise to other emotional barriers that prevent the brother and sister from understanding each other. Just as they start to lose hope the family's life takes an unexpected twist.
Runtime: 
68 min
English subtitle: 
Yes
Information for the Audience: 

Director's Statement

 In 2014 I worked for a non-profit organization which helps convicted women, overseeing their cases and helping their re-introduction to society. I met Rocío and Alejandro’s mother on one of my visits to prison, and I was immediately struck by her energy and clear-headedness in such a terrible environment. The other inmates had a great respect for her.

The moment I pointed my camera at them and conducted my first interview I felt drawn to them, and I was particularly intrigued by the way they were handling the situation. The whole thing seemed to me like an extremely difficult predicament, but here I saw two courageous individuals with a great sense of humor who were willing to keep fighting. And I deeply admired them.

I later found out more about their story. Their life had been full of ups and downs from an early age, but the family had stayed together and remained strong through all of it. That history had turned them into very unique individuals; they were a great, tight-knit family and their ties were deep and complex.

Press Quotes

A really stunningly intimate and cinematic look at life as an immigrant in Mexico.

Tom Power, CBC Radio

A meticulous and polish work.

Sofia Ochoa Rodríguez, EnFilme

A great documentary that tackles the immigration issue from a unique point of view.

José Manuel Cruz, Moon Magazine

Categories:

Screenings / Awards: 

MALAGA FILM FESTIVAL, SPAIN - SPECIAL MENTION OF THE JURY

AMBULANTE FILM FESTIVAL
 
HOTDOCS 2017 - BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE DOCUMENTARY
 
DOCSBARCELONA - LATITU AWARD. BEST IBERO-AMERICAN FEATURE DOCUMENTARY
Directed by: 
Pau Ortiz
Writing credits: 
Pau Ortiz
Cast: 
None
Produced by: 
María Nova López, Emiliano Altuna, Tatiana García, Carlos Rossini
Music by: 
Daniel Hidalgo Valdés
Cinematography by: 
María Nova López
Film Editing by: 
Frank Gutiérrez / Pau Ortiz
Release Date: 
Friday, March 17, 2017
Official website: 
www.theothersideofthewalldoc.com
Total votes: 5822

Subtitles: