“Unwelcomed” is yet another migrant crisis examined. During the COVID pandemic some 8 million Venezuelans migrants poured out of their economically and politically failing country. Some 300,000 Venezuelan undocumented migrants are presently in Chile.
The journey is perilous fraught with gang robbery, murder and rape but the promised land lures the migrants. But what awaits them is no land of milk and honey. The documentary reveals a solid streak of anti-migrantism in Chile based on fear and economic and social reality that Chile simply can’t accommodate huge masses of migrants.
We hear some of the Venezuelan migrant stories, watch the anti-migrant demonstrations and attacks, see the innocent smiling children, cringe at the squatting settlements and marvel at the spectacular topography of the Atacama Desert and its highlands, the Andean Highlands and coastal Chile. A juxtaposition of natural beauty somewhat marred by incessant shots of garbage littered everywhere) and quiet migrant desperation.
The camera does all the work here. No commentary or narration other than the migrant stories and the unwelcoming sentiment of many Chileans.
The Venezuelan exodus is the largest in modern history followed by the Ukraine and Syria.
Directed by Sebastian González Mendez and Amilcar Infante.
Screens 30April/3May2025
RKS 2025 Documentary Rating 92/100.
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