Maquilapolis

Unlike other projects we have seen in the past, this particular documentary stands apart, largely in part due to the fact that the ideas conveyed through the video footage were generated by the subjects of the film. I'm sure that the production company had a rough idea of the exploitation and pollution that takes place in Mexico (honestly who doesn't these days?) but what they set out to do was to have those it actually affects--the factory workers--put forth their own thoughts. The stories of these women were inspirational and touching, especially when they spoke of how against overwhelming odds they would stand up to the government, the corporations, and the committees all for their children's futures.

It's easy to say, because the actual women shooting the film did not edit it, that much of the objectivity was lost. In some cases this can be true. They were quite explicit though: this was the maquiladoras story, and it showed exactly what they wanted it to show. In this sense, the film loses its credibility as a documentary, but gains an element of human compassion and intimacy which most documentaries lack. I think it helped that many of these women seemed intelligent and well-spoken; the success of the film is due in large part to the willingness of the maquiladora camera holders to not only work tirelessly, but in a manner so as to show that they deserve better than their circumstance.