Shura is a compelling short documentary film that transcends its brief runtime to deliver a poignant and inspiring narrative. Co-written, directed and produced by Kayvon Derak Shanian and David Damian Figueroa, this Oscar qualifying film delves into the life of a remarkable woman whose resilience, determination and love for her fellow man can, and does make a difference in the lives of the undocumented, showcasing the profound impact one individual can have on their community and beyond.

The film’s subject, Shura Wallin, who is the co-founder of the humanitarian group The Green Valley/Sahuarita Samaritans, has spent the majority of her life with a handful of volunteers to save lives on the Arizona border. Living about a mile from the Sonoran desert, Shura travels to the border to fill water tanks and patrol migrant trails on both sides of the I-19 corridor offering help to anyone that may cross her path.

Across the Mexican border in Nogales, she works out of the faith-based El Comedor center, serving meals, distributing supplies to people deported from the U.S. and others contemplating the trek north.

The film stays close to its protagonist, offering a glimpse of a day in the life of an advocate who has dedicated the last years of her life to being of service to others. A black belt in Karate, one can see how her years of training have lent a hand in not only the mental fortitude Wallin possesses, but the physical fortitude it takes to trek over hills and valleys to bring supplies to the many migrants crossing the border.

The cinematography is a standout feature, capturing the essence of Shura’s story with visually striking compositions captured, quite refreshingly, on an iPhone 13 . Co-directors’ Figueroa and Shanian’s keen eye for detail and the thoughtful use of imagery, contribute to the emotional impact of the film, enhancing the audience’s connection to the narrative. Furthermore, the pacing of the documentary is expertly handled, ensuring that each moment serves a purpose in advancing Shura’s story. The concise runtime and unorthodox camera choice does not compromise the depth of the narrative but rather enhances its accessibility, making it an ideal candidate for the short documentary category at the Oscars.

At its core, Shura serves as a testament to the power of one person’s dedication to making a difference. Shura’s unwavering commitment to her cause becomes a beacon of hope, illustrating how a single individual can catalyze change and inspire others to join the fight for justice, equality, or whatever cause they hold dear.

CAST and CREW:

Participating as themselves: Shura Wallin, Pastor Randy Mayer , Rita Henninger Danks, Jaime Brusstar, Steve Feldman and Richard Ramirez

Directors / Writers / Producers Kayvon Derak Shanian, David Damian Figueroa

Executive Producer: Pepe Serna

Running Time: 22 Minutes

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Elly has relocated to the small desert town of Borrego Springs, which is located only an hour and a half from Palms Springs, there to study an invasive plant species growing in the desert. When she witnesses a plane crash, she goes to investigate and ends up being kidnapped and thrust into the reality of drug smuggling. Deputy Sheriff Jose Gomez (Gonzalez) springs into action to try and help Elly.

In an interview with TheTRENDTalk Show Gonzalez explained his character in the film. “He’s been a person who has been able to kind of hide himself from maybe the dangers of the world,” Gonzalez explained. “He seems to be someone who shrugs off duty, until this time around he can’t help but take responsibility and take care of his daughter.”

His daughter in the film, Alex played by Olivia Trujillo (Vivo, For All Mankind) is introduced to U.S. audiences, while Leynar Gomez (Narcos: Mexico) gives a stand-out performance as Tomas, the inexperienced “mule” who kidnaps Elly after his ultralight plane crashes in the desert. Jorge A. Jimenez (Queen of the South, Narcos: Mexico) is a drug smuggler who is now hunting down both the kidnapper and the kidnapped.

When asked about working with Gomez and Jimenez, Gonzalez said he had already been a”fan” of both their work. He commented that he felt the roles they played in Borrego gave them an opportunity to be able to work on more three-dimensional characters. “[With these characters] We are seeing the underneath, the choices that were made, the fear, family…we are seeing the stories behind [the characters]…,” Gonzalez said.

This film about the drug underworld of the Mexico-U.S. border brings a new facet to the drug cartel stories. Gonzalez turns in a solid performance as Sheriff Deputy Gomez working opposite Hale, with whom he had previously worked on the TV show Pretty Little Liars.

Although the film is set in the Coachella Valley in California, because of the pandemic, it was shot in Almería and Andalucía, Spain where they shot for a month right after the strict pandemic guidelines were lifted in Spain.

Borrego was released by Paramount Movies on January 14 and is available in theaters, digital and on-demand for all audiences.

Writer/Director: Jesse Harris; Producers: Nancy Cartwright, Monica Gil-Rodriguez, Jesse Harris, Greg Lauritano. Cinematographer: Octavio Arias

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