French sales company Java Films has acquired worldwide distribution rights for the documentary Desert Angel, which focuses on the search for stranded migrants along the U.S.-Mexico border. The film, directed by Vincent De Luca, has already garnered attention at several film festivals, including those in Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, and Brooklyn last year.
Filmed over five years across various southern border states, Desert Angel documents the tireless efforts of Rafael Larraenza, a volunteer rescuer who has devoted three decades to locating migrants who have gone missing. The documentary highlights Larraenza’s unwavering commitment to his mission, revealing the emotional stakes involved in each rescue and the broader dynamics that contribute to one of the world’s most perilous migration routes.
The film also follows the poignant journey of Indira, a mother who has spent years searching for her missing son, Rodrigo. Her story encapsulates the profound anguish experienced by numerous families navigating the uncertainties of migration.
Production and Distribution Details
Produced by Big Pup Film, Sons of Rigor, Sevana Films, and Assembly Line Entertainment, Desert Angel features a team of producers that includes Janek Ambros, David Bennett, Jillian Corsie, Dolores Delgado, Ethan Downing, and Séverine Tibi. The distribution negotiations were conducted by Janek Ambros, who is also behind the upcoming film In the Summers, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024.
Filmmaker Vincent De Luca expressed his admiration for Larraenza’s work, stating, “Rafael’s work is raw, urgent, and deeply humane. I was captivated by the Sisyphean task that Rafael has undertaken and how, against all odds, he continues to show up for people at their most vulnerable.”
Kathryn Bonnici from Java Films emphasized the film’s critical importance. “Desert Angel is a powerful and necessary film, illuminating a crisis that affects countless families yet remains largely invisible,” she stated. “Vincent De Luca’s approach is both cinematic and compassionate, and we are proud to bring this story to audiences worldwide.”
The documentary stands out for its intimate portrayal of the challenges faced by those seeking to cross the border. As international interest in migration issues grows, Desert Angel seeks to shed light on the human experiences behind the headlines, making it a timely addition to the conversation surrounding migration and humanitarian efforts.
