Customer Reviews

Border Film Project: Photos by Migrants & Minutemen on the U.S.-Mexico Border

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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BORDER FILM PROJECT: PHOTOS BY MIGRANT AND MINUTEMEN ON THE US-MEXICO BORDER could also have been featured in our 'arts' or 'social issues' sections, but is reviewed here for its outstanding documentary value. The authors distributed hundreds of disposable cameras, along with means of returning them, to migrants and Minutemen so they could document their own border and immigration experiences. BORDER FILM PROJECT gathers these images under one cover, pairs them with personal stories which go far beyond the usual news report, and accompanies a traveling exhibition. It's an outstanding documentary highly recommended for any collection strong in photography, social issues, and immigrant issues.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

It is a simple, intriguing and skewed project to portray two aspects of the border conflict by giving disposable cameras to illegal migrants and the vigilantes that try to stop them. The pretense of objectivity pushes the notion that both sides have equal reasons to act, and that their legitimacy is understandable. I simply can not agree with this. Not only complicated shades of grey are missing in this narrative, but too much is left to the notion of a naive, pure, reader that will make her own conclusions as she reads the volume. At one point the book seems to try to say "We can agree to disagree", which is a sad and shameful statement for such a painful issue. The fact that a group of people think they are better than others by right of birth is critically serious, and severe enough not to let it go by unchallenged. In that context it is also painful to see how it does not illustrate their contradictions, for instance in domestic and economic policy, or for displaying a blinding and incoherent understanding of history. Likewise it really lacks deep and meaningful references or support information, which ultimately makes for its deceiving objectivity. It might be good eye candy for the informed but lacks much value as an introduction or an actual critical illustration of the issues.

Never underestimate the power of images! the book portaits in a very succint way, the causes of illegal immigration and why our borders are so porous. Good book if you are used to think and go beyond propaganda.

This book is quite fascinating in its concept: give cameras to the people in the story and let them tell it themselves. While the editing surely makes a difference, this book comes closer than most to allowing the reader to experience an issue firsthand. The images create a connection between the reader and the people the book is about. Fascinating idea. From an artistic perspective it also has a lot of merit. Interesting pictures, some beautiful, some thought provoking. I recommend.