Watch “The Invisibles” a Film Produced by Amnesty International and Actor Gael Garcia Bernal
October 16th, 2011SOMOS/WE ARE is an initiative of the National Alliance of Latin American and Caribbean Communities (NALACC) that inspires immigrants to take action in reclaiming their humanity and in supporting legislation that truly reflects what immigrants are worth and deserve.
Every year more than 11,000 migrants are kidnapped, robbed, 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 into 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.
“The Invisibles” is a film produced by Amnesty International that presents the reality of the systemic human rights violations that Central American immigrants face on their journey to the U.S. border. The film permits viewers to see the issue of immigration from the perspective of the undocumented immigrants who decide to undertake a very dangerous journey to the United States of America.”Los Invisibles” (which means “the invisibles” or “invisible people”) is directed by Marc Silver and Gael Garcia Bernal.
“No human being is illegal. I will repeat that: no HUMAN BEING is ILLEGAL. Yes, things and actions can be illegal, but a person cannot be illegal. Yet, in the United States the general public hears this word used all the time in the media and by politicians when immigration is discussed,” says Elizabeth Atkins. “The term I prefer to use is, ‘undocumented.’ Saying, ‘undocumented immigrant,’ instead of ‘illegal immigrant,’ or ‘criminal alien,’ has a tremendous impact on the public discourse around this issue.”
Gael Garcia Bernal on perils facing migrants
Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal has visited Washington, DC, to campaign for comprehensive immigration reform. Bernal, who starred in The Motorcycle Diaries and directed a documentary on the plight of migrants from Central America, met politicians on Capitol Hill. He called for a more humane approach to immigration and said members of Congress should not only deal with the issue in a political way.
While filming the documentary The Invisibles for Amnesty International, Bernal spoke to many migrants who travel through Central America to try to reach the US. The film shows how migrants risk being kidnapped or killed by drug cartels on the journey. He spoke to the BBC’s Paul Adams.