The documentary focuses on Guadalajara’s water consumption and the effects of that water use on communities located near the Río Santiago and its tributaries. Communities upstream are currently being relocated for dams to provide potable water, and communities downstream face extreme water contamination due to untreated human and industrial waste.

How do border relations come into play? Well, some of the polluting companies are large multinationals that have their headquarters in the US, and we share watersheds with Mexico. Since three members of our team are from the United States, we consider it to be an important dialogue to engage in, whenever possible. Otherwise it is the elephant in the room, unaddressed but not unobserved.

Below are some of the responses from our friends and connections in the town of Juanacatlán.

Veronica, owner of the local dulcería (sweet shop), shared with us, “I understand that in some ways we are invading the US. But we welcome all the Americans who want come here. There’s no problem with them coming here to get to know our dear Mexico, but at the same time they must become more human. We are all the same. […] We want to work and we deserve to be paid fairly, and treated fairly and be cordial. Be human, nothing more.”

Dr. Carlos, the town veterinarian who has spent years in California said, “Don’t forget about us, we welcome you as friends, please extend the same in return.” […] 99.9% of the people from Mexico who go to the US go there to work, not to cause trouble. Obama has his right hand, which is citizens of the US, but his left hand is Mexicans, since we comprise the bulk of the labor working force.”

Ismael, a bus driver who also lived in California for many years said, “They should open the borders so that way there won’t be any discrimination. Be more human, focus on something other than a big house, and a nice car.”

I don’t have a short and sweet conclusion on such a complicated and historical issue. Ignoring it or thinking we are not part of the issue is not the answer. Being from the US or other countries with higher salaries and easier travel visa access, we have the privilege to come and spend months in Latin American countries, but the reverse is not true for many Latin Americans, due to monetary or visa restrictions. Conversations are not always easy in regards to this subject, but they are so important to create a greater understanding and dialogue. The more we understand the diverse points of view, the better chance we have for positive change.

Sarah Kelly, along with Arthur Richards, is the co-founder of Adapting to Scarcity. For the latest updates, follow them along on Twitter.