Five Years North

Five Years North.... wow. So emotional, so powerful, SO GOOD. Thank you for telling this complex, intense, emotional story.

Shows the cost and failures of immigration policy through two people on its opposing ends - riveting!

There's no collective truth anymore, but this film comes close to finding it. It feels nuanced and balanced through years and years of reporting. Can't talk about it without spoiling, but some of the moments and access the filmmakers got are insane.

Once again, filmmakers Chris Temple and Zach Ingrasci show us the human side of polarizing political issues. I have long used their previous films, Living on One Dollar and Salam Neighbor, in my writing classes to generate meaningful discussion, and now I'll definitely add Five Years North. Your heart will break for Luis, a young Guatemalan teen with responsibilities well beyond his years. The other side of the issue is humanized by Judy, the ICE agent who must enforce the law. The filmmakers don't preach but give you stories that will make you think twice before you generalize about issues like immigration, poverty, and refugees. Please watch this movie and encourage others to watch it, too.

Another inspiring and important film to watch by filmmakers Chris Temple and Zach Ingrasci. The sequence of events and the personal stories offers a deeply personal look at our complex and daunting immigration system from multiple angles and perspectives. A must watch!