From the Other Side
De l'autre côté
“From the darkness we come, and to the darkness we shall return.”
Synopsis
From the Other Side is a haunting and minimalist documentary that explores the tragic realities of illegal immigration along the U.S.–Mexico border, focusing on the twin towns of Agua Prieta, Sonora, and Douglas, Arizona. Director Chantal Akerman utilizes her signature long, observational takes and static shots to capture the harsh desert landscape and the architectural starkness of the border wall. Through deeply personal interviews with Mexican migrants and grieving families, contrasted against the high-tech tracking systems and perspectives of white American ranchers, the film highlights how tightened border security forced migrants into increasingly perilous terrain. Ultimately, the documentary serves as a poetic, empathetic, and politically charged meditation on xenophobia, separation, and the human cost of geographic boundaries.
Top Cast
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Chantal Akerman
Self (Narrator - Interviewer)
Francisco Santillan García
Self
Delfina Maruri Miranda
Self
Ranulfo Barreda Arcos
Self
Rafael Gonzalez
Self
David Arochi
Self
Mario Rosas
Self
Reymundo Rojas Prado
Self
José Sanchez
Self
Victor Rodriguez
Self
Martin Rodriguez
Self
Ana Ortiz
Self
Marisela Hernández
Self
Antonio García
Self
Arturo Romero
Self
David Rodriguez
Self
Miguel Escobar
Self
Larry A. Dever
Self
Release History & Theatrical Window
Festival de Cannes
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Chantal Akerman
- Screenplay & Story
- Chantal Akerman
- Original Title
- De l'autre côté
- Country of Origin
- Belgium, France
- Spoken Languages
- French, English, Spanish
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
- Production Studios
- AMIP
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Chantal Akerman
Chantal Akerman
Rémon Fromont, Chantal Akerman, Robert Fenz
Claire Atherton
Department Leadership Roster
Chantal Akerman
Director
Chantal Akerman
Writer
Claire Atherton
Editor
Rémon Fromont
Director of Photography
Chantal Akerman
Director of Photography
Robert Fenz
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for From the Other Side.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About From the Other Side
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is From the Other Side about?
From the Other Side is a haunting and minimalist documentary that explores the tragic realities of illegal immigration along the U.S.–Mexico border, focusing on the twin towns of Agua Prieta, Sonora, and Douglas, Arizona. Director Chantal Akerman utilizes her signature long, observational takes and static shots to capture the harsh desert landscape and the architectural starkness of the border wall. Through deeply personal interviews with Mexican migrants and grieving families, contrasted against the high-tech tracking systems and perspectives of white American ranchers, the film highlights how tightened border security forced migrants into increasingly perilous terrain. Ultimately, the documentary serves as a poetic, empathetic, and politically charged meditation on xenophobia, separation, and the human cost of geographic boundaries.
Who directed From the Other Side?
From the Other Side was directed by Chantal Akerman.
Who stars in From the Other Side?
The principal cast of From the Other Side includes Chantal Akerman, Francisco Santillan García, Delfina Maruri Miranda, Ranulfo Barreda Arcos, Rafael Gonzalez.
When was From the Other Side released and how long is it?
From the Other Side was released in 2003 with a total runtime of 1h 40m.