Farmingville (2004)

Directors:

Carlos Sandoval
Catherine Tambini

Writer:

Carlos Sandoval (writer)

Genre:

Documentary

Tagline:

Welcome to the suburbs, home of the new border wars.

Plot:

Documentary on the attempted murder of two Mexican day laborers in Farmingville, New York.

Awards:

7 wins & 2 nominations

Runtime:

USA:79 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Spanish

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Farmingville, Long Island, New York, USA

Company:

Camino Bluff Productions

Balanced Film Which Draws Attention To Serious Problems Faced by Day Laborers

After viewing the film and attending a panel discussion, I feel that this film's portrayal of the situation in Farmingville was an entirely fair one. Based on discussions with the audience, I feel confident in stating that the consensus from people empathetic to either side of the debate was that the film did present each argument fairly. The voices of Louise, Margaret and Eduardo were equally strong. Though some may feel the SQL was presented in a manner which depicts them as racist or zealous, comments made by Margaret at the panel discussion were entirely in line with those she voices in the film at even her most heated moments. As for the remarks made by protesters to day laborers, these moments of taunting, intimidation, and often outright ignorance DO occur and were not misconstrued by the filmmakers - I can assert authority on this claim because I have personally witnessed it. As a member of a neighboring town who could identify virtually every location in the film, I am very aware of the attitude towards day laborers in this section of Long Island. Granted, this is probably not representative of the actions and feelings of all who oppose undocumented laborers, but the scenes in the film by no means took me by surprise.

In addition, the filmmakers did not attempt to take advantage of the emotional responses that were certain to arise with the description of the brutal beatings which were the inspiration for this film. The strong presence of this event in 'Farmingville' reflects the fact that the film was made in direct response to this event. The purpose of Mr. Sandoval and Ms. Tambini was to draw attention to the dangers faced by daily by laborers, as epitomized in the beatings. As an unfortunate bolstering of this point, near the time of completion of the film, a firebombing was carried out by four local youths at the home of Latino workers in Farmingville. The presence of groups such as SQL, which refuse even to acknowledge that this act was a firebombing, though it has been called that by police, has long been an inhibition to finding practical solutions - namely, safe housing and protection of worker and civil rights for the day laborers who are the backbone of our economy. The SQL insists that there are omnipresent threats posed by the presence of workers, though few seem to actually have any foundation. I could say more, but in the interest of space I will stop here, as I only set out to clarify some possible misconstruances and complaints about the documentary.

This is an important film for all members of the Long Island community and hopefully will help raise awareness and support for immigrant workers.