120 Days

I had the pleasure of seeing this documentary at a film festival in Raleigh. Without going into too much detail, I think this film provided a necessary narrative to the central point of the immigration issue: family. This film does a wonderful job of showcasing the impact, influence, and contribution of a family that is just seeking out a better life.

Good people, hardworking, and law abiding. Furthermore, the film does a wonderful, albeit saddening, exploration of the laws revolving around the immigration and deportation conundrum here in the states. If only all American citizens were more like the family depicted in 120 Days.

Do yourself a favor and check it out!

Ted Roach's excellent documentary helps bring human scale to issues that often seem in the realm of politicians and television pundits. A family that is probably in your community, part of your world, faces difficult choices about their futures that will change their lives and those around them. The Cortes family works and plays yet one moment, being stopped (for what reason) by the police and their world stops. Except it doesn't. Because they have 120 Days to make choices of who and where to be. But this is not fiction. It happened to actual people, and they are living out the effects of the choices they made. The film is beautiful, too. Will move you.

"120 Days" exposes the human side of immigrant families in this country. This film is emotionally packed as you begin to feel like you know the family members and can really empathize with their situation. I was especially interested in this film because it features a family not far from where I live in North Carolina. This is one family that was featured in a film but they represent so many others who are struggling with the same reality. You really begin to see that people are fearful and living in the shadows because of the unfair, unjust system we have in the U.S. This film has been an eye opener for many and I strongly urge anyone regardless of their stance on immigration to watch "120 Days."

I was able to watch this film in the intimate atmosphere of the Varsity Theatre in Chapel Hill - an atmosphere that allowed the audience to share their emotions with one another both during and after the filming. The family featured in this film embodies everything that the American family has come to represent - a family dedicated to one another, dedicated to their faith, dedicated to their community! A family that knows the value of hard work and a good education! The only problem is - it is a family that we Americans are apparently only comfortable with by putting the label of "illegal aliens" on! If you have not seen this film, and continue to be comfortable using that label, consider exposing yourself to a side of what another "America" has to offer. We will ALL profit from your willingness to open that door! This beautifully composed film has a message for All communities.

This is a well done documentary that shows the human side of immigration. The family is the type of family you would love to have as neighbors. Teddy Roach does a great job humanizing the plight while not forcing any political views on the viewer.

This deeply personal view into the family's last 120 days together in the US and is a great way for all of us to grapple with our personal views on immigration policies and how they effect real families that have to struggle with them.

I hope all of our leaders in the US government take the time to watch pieces like this, so they can fully understand the impact of the rules they make or the laws they enforce.