Oscar nominated actor Gael García Bernal and Amnesty International have come together to create The Invisibles – four short films documenting the plight of migrants travelling without legal permission through Mexico, García Bernal’s home country.
Every year thousands of migrants are kidnapped, raped and sometimes murdered in Mexico. Those responsible are usually criminal gangs, or sometimes public officials, but virtually no-one is held to account. Driven by grinding poverty and insecurity back home, the mainly Central American migrants travel through Mexico in hope of reaching the USA with its promise of work and a new life. But all too often their dreams are turned to nightmares.
Told over four parts, The Invisibles uncovers the reality behind one of the most dangerous journeys in the world, and reveals the untold stories of the people who make the journey north through Mexico.
Gael García Bernal says: “The flow of migrants will never stop. There will always be ebb and flow, a coming and going, a present and a future. The international economy is also bound by this relentless law. The Mexican authorities must protect migrants in our country. The law must protect us all, whether nationals or foreigners. It’s essential Mexico sets a good example in the way it treats migrants to be consistent with the valid demands we make for the fair treatment of migrants in the United States.”
“As the world’s experts on migration gather in Puerto Vallarta for the Global Forum on Migration and Development this week, hundreds of miles away migrants in Mexico are facing terrible dangers,” says Sarah Shebbeare, Amnesty International Mexico campaigner and executive producer of the films. “The Mexican government has promised to improve protection for migrants. It is time to turn that promise into action. As a first step, we are calling on the government to establish a clear action plan and to collect and publish nationwide data on abuses against migrants, and on the action taken to hold those responsible to account.”
The premiere of The Invisibles was held in Mexico City on 8th November to coincide with the start of the 2010 Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. However, viewers will be able to watch the films and take action online at: youtube.com/invisiblesfilms
The four short films include:
Seaworld
People are filled with hope of reaching the USA; a young girl travelling with her family dreams of visiting adventure park Seaworld. Filmed at a migrant shelter in southern Mexico, this film reveals the dangers that await them.
Six Out Of Ten
Gael García Bernal talks to three women from Honduras who are travelling in search of a better life for their families. They are taking a huge risk. Six out of ten women who attempt the journey are sexually abused.
What Remains
Relatives in Central America may never know what happened to their loved ones. In El Salvador, a mother tells us of her desperation at not knowing where her son is ten years after he left for the USA, saying he’d call home in 12 days.
GOAL!
Despite the danger and the risks, the migrants will keep coming. They sleep rough, beg for food and grab lifts by clinging to the outsides of moving freight trains. Many are seriously injured, but there will always be those prepared to brave the journey.
Gael García Bernal
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