El viaje de Teo
Raised by his uncle in Oaxaca while his father Wenceslao is in jail, 9-year-old Teo sees his life turned upside down when Wenceslao shows up to take him north across the American border. Teo and his dad are led by a negligent pollero. During the night, in the Sasabe desert, they are attacked and robbed. Teo runs away to keep his belongings and loses touch with the group. Chuy, a 12-year-old pollero, meets Teo, helps him out of the desert and to exact a small measure of revenge against the thieves. While Teo waits at the checkpoint in Nogales for his father's certain deportation, a strong friendship develops between the two boys. (Festival information)
The Ecumenical Jury gives a Commendation to Walter Doehner, for his film "El Viaje de Teo". Through the eyes of a child, he shows the universal story of the desperate plight of persons driven from their home countries. Despite the trauma and loss of a failed border-crossing, Teo finds kindness, generosity and love among his own people.