‘Samaritans’ film highlights humanitarian work being done at the Arizona-Sonora border
“Samaritans” is the third installment of the documentary trilogy by filmmaker and storyteller David Damian Figueroa.
The full-length documentary spotlights the extreme efforts of humanitarians as they work to aid and save the lives of migrants. It opens with a scene showing the apprehension of Figueroa and award-winning author Reyna Grande, who were racially profiled and detained in an immigration transport van — known as a perrera, or kennel — because of their skin color.
Director David Damian Figueroa will be present for the viewing.
Throughout the documentary, Figueroa weaves together footage from his award-winning shorts, “Shura” and “They Call Me the Cross Man,” alongside encounters with travelers and law enforcement, documenting the efforts of volunteers to prevent deaths in the desert. “Shura” follows an octogenarian woman who provides humanitarian aid to migrants crossing the Arizona-Mexico border, while “They Call Me the Cross Man” follows Tucson artist Alvaro Enciso, who has placed over 1,700 crosses to honor the migrants who have lost their lives in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert.
Pastor Randy Mayer, co-founder of the Green Valley/Sahuarita Samaritans, said the documentary shows activities led by volunteers “whose hearts are fully committed to alleviating suffering and the struggle along the border just being human to another human.” Helping migrants is more than a mission — it’s his calling, he said.
“The stories need to be told. Things have changed a lot along the border, and much of it hasn’t been good. It’s important to continue sharing the story so people can hear the truth and see what’s really happening. The people we encounter are decent, family-loving, salt-of-the-earth people and we need them in this country," he concluded.
‘Samaritan’ voices applaud Figueroa’s documentary
Shura Wallin, a cast member, told CALÓ News that she hopes the film will inspire viewers.
“‘Samaritans’ really opens people’s eyes. Most people don’t know what’s happening here at the border, and maybe after seeing this film, they’ll realize there’s something they can do to give back to their community,” she said. “I love the people I help. Sometimes people ask if I’m afraid… but I don’t fear — I’m a black belt in karate,” she said with a laugh.
Kocourek, a 74-year-old Tucson humanitarian who recently accused immigration agents of assaulting and falsely arresting her during a routine aid mission near the Sasabe border, emphasized the universal mission of the Samaritans.
"It’s important for people to know that we help everyone, no questions asked. The Samaritans’ mission is simple: to help people stay alive. As David Damian calls it, we are ‘death interrupters.’ It’s not only migrants who benefit; hikers and others in the desert rely on our water stations, too,” she said.
Director David Damian Figueroa will be present for the viewing.