I can’t be the only one who watches the news coming out of the Southern American States with increasing horror. Slowly but surely, it seems every single law that promotes tolerance, diversity and inclusion is being stripped back. Particularly those focusing on gender equality and LGBTQI+ rights. With loud conservative and Christian voices coming to the fore, seemingly now controlling the Republican Party. Threatening to take much of the country back a hundred years or more.
One of the most contentious issues at the moment, and every moment, in the US is that of abortion. As the gains made by Roe v. Wade are gradually being chipped away, it’s the poor and coloured communities which suffer the most. On the Divide Tells the story of the last abortion clinic on the Texas/Mexico border. Following three Latinx members of the community: A catholic security guard, a pro-life former gang-member and a young volunteer at the institution.
You’d naturally expect On the Divide to be fairly one sided but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Indeed, Maya Cueva and Leah Galant’s documentary starts from an unusual standpoint and slowly works its way back. Following the journeys of its subjects. Allowing those with strong pro-life opinions to voice them, but also to make themselves look stupid. On the Divide is an interesting and informative film which observes without passing judgement.
On the Divide screens at Human Rights Watch Film Festival London.
