Watch Through the Repellent Fence

Through the Repellent Fence is a thought-provoking documentary film that explores the intersection of contemporary art and political activism through a group of Native American artists who install a land art project along the US-Mexico border. The film is directed by documentary filmmaker Sam Wainwright Douglas and shot on location in the American Southwest.

The documentary follows a group of artists collectively known as Postcommodity, whose members include Raven Chacon, Cristobal Martinez, and Kade Twist. The group's work focuses on examining the intersections of cultural identity, border politics, and environmental issues in the American Southwest. Their latest project involves installing a series of "scare-eye" balloons along the border to create a "repellent fence" that will deter animals and humans from crossing the border illegally.

The film begins with the artists' initial planning stages and follows them through the installation process. As they travel along the border, the filmmakers capture stunning footage of the surrounding landscape, including mountains, deserts, and vast stretches of uninhabited land. Through interviews with the artists, local residents, and border patrol agents, the film provides a nuanced and complex look at the political and cultural issues surrounding the border.

What sets Through the Repellent Fence apart from other documentaries about political issues is its focus on art as a vehicle for activism. The film highlights the role that art can play in creating social change, and the artists themselves speak eloquently about their motivations and goals. As Chacon says, "Art is a different kind of intervention. It's a way to ask questions rather than provide answers."

The film also grapples with the complexities of working within the art world while simultaneously engaging in activism. The members of Postcommodity discuss how they balance their desire to create art that is meaningful and politically relevant with the pressures of the art market. They also describe the challenges of working in a collaborative group, each bringing their own unique perspectives and experiences to the project.

One of the most powerful aspects of Through the Repellent Fence is its exploration of the relationships between Native American communities and the US-Mexico border. The film shows how the border has been dividing communities and erasing cultural traditions for centuries. The artists speak movingly about their own experiences growing up along the border, and their work is deeply rooted in both their cultural heritage and their political realities.

Overall, Through the Repellent Fence is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that explores the intersections of art and activism in a way that is both inspiring and challenging. The film provides a unique and nuanced look at the political and cultural issues surrounding the US-Mexico border, highlighting the role that artists can play in creating meaningful social change. It is both a celebration of Native American culture and a call-to-action for all those who care about the future of the American Southwest.

Through the Repellent Fence is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes.