SXSW Film Preview: Intimidad

In Intimidad, documentarians Ashley Sabin and David Redmon follow the lives of Cecy and Camilo, a young couple living in Reynosa, Mexico. Cecy and Camilo both work for minimum wage in maquiladoras, trying to save money to buy land, build themselves a house, and bring their daughter Loida back to live with them. Loida is living with Cecy's mom and dad, eighteen hours away by busride in Santa Maria. Cecy's heart seems to be in Santa Maria, where her family is, while Camilo complains that there is no work there like there is in Reynosa. Their dilemma of whether to live in Santa Maria (a dying small town with no work available) or Reynosa (an alienating factory town) seems a universal one.

The directors shot the couple's story over a four-year period (especially obvious when "1 year later" appears on a black screen in the midst of the film) and use footage shot by the couple interspersed throughout the film. The voices of Cecy and Camilo narrate the film. After Cecy has left him for a while to help care for her ailing father in Santa Maria, Camilo's pain is evident as he asks her over the phone, "¿Cuándo vas a regresar (When are you coming back), Cecy?" As the film shows such real emotional pain, Intimidad is ultimately about hope. The plight of the couple will draw you in; it is hard not to feel moved as they work towards their suburban dream.

Intimidad will have its World Premiere Friday March 7th at the Alamo South Lamar as part of the South by Southwest Film Festival. For more info, check out the Film Threat / B-Side SXSW Guide.