Date of Award

6-2022

Document Type

Open Access

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Spanish and Hispanic Studies

First Advisor

Stephanie A. Mueller, PhD

Abstract

Immigration is a topic that affects all parts of the world, yet many people take a negative stance against immigrants and border crossings without fully understanding the facts of the situation. 14 kilómetros, a 2007 film directed by Gerardo Olivares, and Desierto, a 2014 film directed by Jonás Cuarón, are the two primary sources that I examine to create a comparative, argumentative thesis. 14 kilómetros follows a trio of African migrants as they attempt to make it across the Ténéré desert to reach Morocco, and then eventually, reach Spain. Desierto focuses on a group of Mexican migrant workers trying to get to the United States, but are hunted like animals by a white vigilante named Sam. Both films attempt to give immigrants a point of view and voice that paints them in a positive light, but the depiction seen in each film of the immigrants and their journeys only does so much. I argue that 14 kilómetros and Desierto are inaccurate representations of the immigration process that can potentially do more harm than good because these two films sacrifice painting the whole picture of what plays a role in immigration in order to stay within the confines of “consumable cinema.” I support my thesis by analyzing both films’ lack of character depth and development as well as the use of the desert to avoid discussing the role of government and policy makers in immigration.

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Rights Statement

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted.