Acclaimed at the SXSW Film Festival, where it had its world premiere, the lyrical documentary essay The In Between by Robie and Alejandro Flores will have its much-anticipated broadcast premiere on PBS’ celebrated documentary series Independent Lens on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 10pm ET (check local listings), and will also be available to stream on the PBS app.
Following the death of her brother, director Robie Flores returns to her hometown, Eagle Pass, on the Texas-Mexico border, yearning to turn back time. Immersed in the unruly experiences of adolescence—quinceañeras, Selena, Rio Grande river excursions, teen makeovers, and beyond—she rediscovers the intricacies of the home her brother adored and she once overlooked. What emerges is a playful dance between a personal and collective coming-of-age portrait of borderland youth and Robie herself as she reclaims joy in the aftermath of grief.
Through her own personal and family journey, director Flores delicately unveils a nuanced and unexpected portrayal of the US/Mexico border, steering clear of sensationalist media coverage of border issues. Going beyond the headlines, Flores’ intimate exploration offers a humanizing perspective that captures the vibrancy of a thriving bi-cultural and bi-national community, celebrating the resilience and spirit of its residents.
The Flores siblings are part of a ‘Border New Wave,’ a burgeoning group of Fronterizo filmmakers hailing from Texas who are challenging conventional narratives about border communities through innovative and artistic cinematic representations. Other notable directors in this movement include Cristina Ibarra (Las Marthas), Alejandra Vasquez and Sam Osborn (Going Varsity in Mariachi), Iliana Sosa (What We Leave Behind, God Save Texas: La Frontera), Carlos Alfonso Corral (Dirty Feathers), and Silvia Del Carmen Castaños and Estefanía Contreras (Hummingbirds).
By capturing the essence of life on the border with sensitivity and from within, Flores invites audiences to connect with the stories and experiences of those living in this dynamic region. With its poignant portrayal of loss, resilience, and hope, The In Between stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to bridge divides and foster understanding in an increasingly complex world, while marking an auspicious cinematic debut for the Flores siblings.
The filmmakers will celebrate the national broadcast with their community in Eagle Pass with a public watch party hosted by the Eagle Pass Arts and Culture Center on Monday, February 10, 2025 at the Plaza San Juan at 6pm CT. Free and open to the public. A reception at the Eagle Pass Arts and Culture Center will follow.