This is the first documentary film focused on the real life impact of illegal immigration to border communities. Written and directed by Cochise County resident Mercedes Maharis, this shocking gritty film documents this na... more »tional tragedy and its demoralizing effect on an otherwise quiet rural community in Arizona. Though home to only 130,000 permanent residents, Cochise County has now become "Ground Zero" for the illegal immigration invasion. It is estimated that as many as one million illegal immigrants annually use the border here as the primary crossing point into the United States. This one-of-a-kind feature film highlights the grim reality of the cultural clashes and the escalating danger that the human and drug trafficking leaves in its wake. Through interviews with elected officials, residents, border patrol, activists, volunteer civil defense, and even the immigrants themselves, these vivid first hand accounts reveal the frustration and abandonment of a failed national policy. Extraordinary footage of actual border crossings and controversial scenes of those left for dead, Chochise County USA - Cries From The Border is a must se for anyone concerned about the illegal immigration invasion along our bloody border.« less
Genres:Special Interests, Documentary Sub-Genres:Special Interests, Politics Studio:Genius Entertainment Format:DVD - Color - Closed-captioned DVD Release Date: 05/02/2006 Original Release Date: 01/01/2006 Theatrical Release Date: 01/01/2006 Release Year: 2006 Run Time: 1hr 9min Screens: Color Number of Discs: 1 SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 0 MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated) Languages:English
Thomas G. (goodoldthom) from TUCSON, AZ Reviewed on 9/15/2010...
Most of this was filmed about 5 years ago BUT it is still very current and relavent TODAY!!! We are still fighting the problem here in AZ not only in Cochise County but Pima County (the Tucson Sector of the border.)
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
Outstanding and Depressing
maskirovka | Alexandria, Virginia | 05/30/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just watched "Cries from the Border" yesterday. I think that anyone who is interested in the issue of border security must watch it. I wish I could make George W. Bush, Ted Kennedy, and John McCain, the leading advocates of the "path to citizenship" (i.e. amnesty for illegal aliens), watch the film. Because if they did watch and didn't just reject it as propaganda, they might realize that whatever the US might do with the 12 million illegal aliens wandering the US, we have to restore control of our nation's southern border.
Something tells me that if Bush's ranch in Crawford, the Kennedy compound in Massachusetts, or wherever McCain considers home in Arizona were transit points for hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens sneaking into the USA, those worthy gentlemen wouldn't be so eager to enact legislation that will inevitably lead to millions more flooding across our borders in years to come.
This film really shows the cost of illegal immigration: the cost of the social services that illegals get, the assaults on US Border Patrol Officers (the film shows clips of Mexicans hurling rocks at them), the lonely deaths of illegals in the desert, and the trash strewn across what used to be beautiful landscapes.
I felt sad also because I used to live in Cochise County. I was twice stationed at Fort Huachuca when I was in the Army. I used to think that I might retire down there. But I know now that I never will. I could never put up with what American citizens have to put up with down there.
I can only hope that come November, the Republicans lose the House and maybe some Senate seats as well over this issue. Maybe then, the Republicans (I have no hopes for the Democrats on this) will wake up and sense the mood of the nation which is BORDER SECURITY FIRST!"
Cries From the Border
John F. Petrello III | AZ USA | 05/13/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The single most decent thing about this documentary is that it is neither left nor right. Mercedes takes an honest look at what people in the United States are living with daily and does it in an interesting way. From the violence of break ins to the drug runners, this is an honest view from a great film maker. Missing is the usual racist slant many open border folks seem to chant.
Thank you Mercedes for a fine movie and finally showing the truth about how we Cochise County citizens truly live.
John F Petrello III
Whetstone Arizona"
Buy it! Watch it! Share it with friends.
Milo S. | Chico, CA | 05/23/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just got this viedo today and was amazed by this documentary. This is the story that's not being told in the mass media. This is the story of the people who live by the border and see what is happening. This is the story that the rest of America needs to see and hear."
Cochise County USA - Cries from the Border
A. Rackers | Hereford, AZ United States | 11/04/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was very impressed by the objective treatment of the illegal immigrant situation on the Arizona Border. As a Southern Arizona resident, I've seen both sides of the issue first hand. If you are concerned about the border, you will likely find this movie to be informative. It portrays both sides, pro and con of stricter enforcement vs. amnesty.
Most importantly, it portrays the human element. Everyone along the border is affected by the debate. Debate if you will, humans (families, children, business owners) and the environment (range land, recreation areas) are being affected. Long time residents of border towns are fearful because of the limited support they have for security and the damage to property of litter that the constant people trafficing causes. Many individuals and groups are concerned about the health and safety of those crossing into the US. Either way, safety, health problems and, of course, money are all issues presented in the forefront in this film.
Cries from the Border portrays these concerns in sympathy (and objectively) for both sides. I recommend this movie for anyone who wishes to present an informed debate about the critical issues of border security. It informs realistically and gives insight into how critical this issue is to all of us."
Douglas Perspective
Wallace L. Cooper | 07/04/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"As a bilingual family with European-Mexican origins that lives less than one mile from the Mexican/US border we feel that the documentary, "Cochise County USA", was quite accurately presented. On a topic that seems to arouse such intense emotions and racism on both sides of the issure it was refreshing to see a sensitive, intelligent and balanced report without the hysteria and rancor so often demonstrated on the News Programs. Wallace & Rosa Cooper, Douglas, AZ"