AmDocs Fest - The Other Side
The Other Side is the story of deported musician Jose Marquez and his daughter Susanna who have been separated for almost 15 years but meet every month on either side of the US-Mexico border wall.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Griselda San Martin
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I wanted to tell the stories of the thousands of families who are separated by their immigration status and victims of the aggressive immigration law enforcement. I wanted to show the human consequences of these policies during a time of rising xenophobic political sentiment.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should watch this film to see that the "big and beautiful wall” that some politicians want to build already exists. I want you to see and feel what it means to the people affected by the current immigration policies.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I focus on the story of deported musician Jose Marquez and his daughter Susanna who have been separated for almost 15 years but meet every month on either side of the US-Mexico border wall. This is, however, the story of so many families. My goal was to address the issue of the thousands of families who are suffering the tragedy of familial separation. It’s a story of separation, a divide. A story of “us” vs. “the other”. It’s universal in that sense.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
It started as a documentary photography project. I visited the park and met and photographed many families but when I met Jose Marquez and Susanna I was touched because I never saw anybody singing through the metal fence. To me it was a strong metaphor: despite the massive metal walls and militarized checkpoints, love has no borders. So I planned the production of a short film to tell their story. I wanted it to be short and I wanted the audience to be able to “feel" this wall.
I wrote a basic script with a few scenes that I wanted to include and I let the characters be themselves. At the beginning, I wanted to include a scene in San Diego, with Jose’s daughter Susanna and her interview, but I decided to cut it out because I wanted to tell the story from Jose’s point of view. And Jose can’t cross the border to meet with his daughter, he can only see her through the metal fence, and that’s what I decided to show. Again, it was also with the goal of feeling the separation.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I was overwhelmed with the amount of messages I received. Most of them positive. Some not. I also received many messages asking me questions. Why does she stay in the US? Why doesn’t he cross back? Indeed there are many questions that I was not able to answer in a 6 minute piece. But immigration law is very complex. I decided to focus on showing the human consequences.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I knew there would be many questions. But that’s the point too. I want people to think and question themselves whether it is right or not. I want people to have a little bit more information. Something other than the political discourse we hear everyday on the news and in the street.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I think it is important to tell these stories especially during this period of time of rising xenophobic political sentiment.
Immigration is a major topic of public debate in the United States and around the world. Political anti-immigrant rhetoric has shaped people’s perceptions and strengthened stereotypes. I feel compelled as a journalist to challenge dominant discourses by telling their stories of those whose voices are ignored in the contemporary discourses on immigration.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Anybody who can help make the issue more visible.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I want the audience to understand the consequences of the aggressive immigration laws and policies that are already in place and are being implemented. Anybody can have their opinion but I think it is important that people see the consequences of those policies. And then act or speak about them knowing the effects that have on families and individuals just like them, but born in another country.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
The question in my opinion would be:
We all understand that there are immigration laws that must be abided by. But is it right (or is it moral) to separate - and in many cases - destroy families without taking into consideration the ties that they have to the country? In many cases they have lived in the US for many years, have children, grandchildren, have contributed to the society, in some cases even served in the military. Would it make more sense to maybe look at it case by case and make an educated decision based on each individual story?
Interview: March 2017
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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The Other Side
The Other Side is the story of deported musician Jose Marquez and his daughter Susanna who have been separated for almost 15 years but meet every month on either side of the US-Mexico border wall.
Length: 6 min
Director: Griselda San Martin
Producer: Griselda San Martin
Writer: Griselda San Martin
About the writer, director and producer:
Griselda San Martin is a Spanish documentary photographer and filmmaker based in New York. Her work explores transnational issues and focuses on concepts of identity and belonging.
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