Northless [Norteado]

Rigoberto Perezcano/Mexico, Spain/2009/94 min/tbc/Spanish with English Subtitles

Grabbing a slice of the elusive American dream is the subject of Rigoberto Perezcano’s immigration drama, Northless. Set in present day Mexico, the film follows Andre (Harold Torres) as he bides his time working in a Tijuana grocery store, whilst planning and executing a number of methods of crossing the US border undetected, by any means possible.

Whilst the subject matter of illegal immigrants is nothing new, Perezcano’s film is an original take on a controversial and complex issue. But what makes Northless so different is its refusal to vilify any particular character in the film, as Andre is shown trying to cross the border out of necessity, out of the need of a better life for his family as opposed to personal gain. But the magic of Perezcano’s piece lies in the clever and often unusual methods that the characters use to get out of Mexico, and through the unbeatable spirit of hope that runs throughout the film. Witty, ingenious but simultaneously heartbreaking, Northless is a captivating take on a very real subject, that’s filmed from the opinion of the immigrant. Featuring a strong cast, and believable writing, this is an intellectually stimulating take on entering a country illegally.

Showing @ Cineworld, 25^th of June, 18:15, 26^th of June, 15:45