LIFE ON THE LINE

Hunger and humiliation, marginalization and mutilation, robbery and rape. Every year thousands of migrants leave their families and homes in Central America to try and make a life for themselves in “the North”. Staking their all on a one-way trip to the promised land, they encounter abuse, extortion and desolation on their journey through Mexico. But their hope for a better, worthier existence carries them forward. This documentary tells the stories of daring people who put their lives on the line for a dream they can never be sure to reach.

In April 2007, the Cactus Film team, with the support of the CNDH (the Mexican human rights commission), traveled in the tracks of the migrants, capturing the destinies of some of the many thousands that make the trip each year.

They have come from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala – women, men and even children seeking hope for the future.  Leaving their families is sadly the only way to help their families.

We join them in Mexico, along part of their journey, through Tabasco and Veracruz. Traveling across Mexican territory along the tracks of a train called “The Beast”, the migrants face the most adverse situations imaginable. We are told stories of police abuse, robberies, rape and even murder committed by people to whom migrants are just another profitable industry. We get to meet the people behind the statistics – the people the authorities want to forget.  This is their story.

Credits

Ricardo Padilla Director

José Cohen Executive Producer

Gaetan Mariage Cameraman & Editor

Gregory Allen Producer & Soundman

Ylva Mossing Research & Translation

Claudia Rosas Production Coordinator

Luis M. Jara Assistant Editor

Felipe Cruz Salinas Jasso Coordination

Manuel Dugué Graphics & Animation

Muchos Thankyos to:

Alejandra Liceaga & Rebecca Cammisa

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