Home > Uncovering Mexico > Archives > 2008 > April > 03
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Controversial Austin documentary headed to Tribeca
The film chronicles the trial and sentencing of undocumented Mexican immigrant Rosa Jimenez, who was babysitting a two-year-old boy when he choked to death. Prosecutors said Jimenez stuffed a wad of paper towels down his throat; defense attorneys said the choking was an accident. The movie, which presents Jimenez as a victim of out of control Texas justice, has sparked outrage in her native Mexico and a campaign to win her freedom. She is serving a 99-year sentence.The movie, which won the grand prize at the International Human Rights Film Festival in Paris, also explores the relationship between immigrants and the city.
Judging by the flurry of emails I received after first writing about the documentary, both the trial and the documentary have struck a cord with Austinites. Having seen the movie at a film festival here in Mexico City, I can say that it is an emotionally wrenching experience even for people with little knowledge of the case.
