Border Nation

2020

Synopsis:

For seventy-five miles, the U.S.-Mexico border crosses the Tohono O’odham Nation – a Native American reservation and sovereign nation whose people live in both countries. For Ofelia Rivas, a tribal member and outspoken activist, the wall and the Border Patrol are more than an occupying force; they are an affront to O’odham sovereignty and traditional ways of life. But with threats of new border infrastructure and stricter laws regarding entry into the US, can Ofelia’s traditions survive?

Filmmakers:

Jason Jaacks

Jason Jaacks is a filmmaker focused on the social and environmental issues of our time. He’s ducked the border into Mexico with Tohono O’odham tribal members, followed a young woman as she defies death threats to save Mexico’s most polluted river, and scoured the Mayan forest with a world renowned biologist for giant carnivorous bats. He is a National Geographic Explorer and holds a Masters of Journalism from UC Berkeley.