During the last 15 years, more than 400 women have been found in the desert in the border town of Ciudad Juárez. The profile of the victims has been a constant, dreary pattern: women between 12 and 22 years old, who work for very low wages at sweatshops that maintain the economy of this town.
In spite of the horror and sadness of the whole story, none of the cases has been satisfactorily solved. Over the time, indifference and negligence have made Ciudad Juárez a scary town for tourists, and of course, for the female inhabitants who usually have to commute at unusual hours of the day or night in order meet the demanding 12-hour shifts of the factories.
Bajo Juárez, the City Devouring Its Daughters, is the name of a documentary directed by Alejandra Sánchez and José Antonio Cordero, two brave filmmaker who conducted a research during 2001-2007 about “las muertas de Juárez” and all the parts involved in this tangled story.
It’s worth saying that only a few journalists, such as Sergio González Rodríguez and Diana Washington, have dared to research the now notorious feminicidios. Those who have been brave enough to do so have been threatened by the obscure individuals, or groups, involved. Sánchez and Cordero explore not only the side of the families affected, but also the comments of those who claim that everything is all right in the city. The documentary also discusses the theories pointing to the direct relation between the crimes and high circles of power that practically own the city.
If you are interested in this great research and documentary material, the Cineteca Nacional will be showing the film during three days this week. We highly recommend it.
Cineteca Nacional, Av. México-Coyoacán 389, Col. Xoco. Metro Coyoacán, Sala: 5, from June 2nd, to June 4th, Sala 5, 7.15 and 21:15 hrs.
Yes! I saw this documentary at NYC’s Hola Mexico Film Festival last year and it is sad but truly moving.