SXSW 2025 - Red Sands and Exodus

We are celebrating SXSW 2025 with two short documentary films about big topics.

Red Sands shares the story of an off-road culture that thrives along the notorious border of El Paso, Texas, and Cd. Juárez, Mexico. Director Romina Cenisio and cinematographer/producer (and returning guest!) Sean Mattison join us to discuss showing a different side of border towns that include levity and joy, Romina bringing a woman's perspective to the story, and the difference between real dangers and perceived dangers within this community.

Exodus shares a portrait of two women as they struggle to make sense of their lives post-release, in order to figure out what life after prison looks like. Director Nimco Sheikhaden and producer Sara Chishti share their decision (and its profound impact) to shoot in black and white, how Nimco's partner being incarcerated drove her to tell this story, the noticeable lack of support for black and brown women in prison, and their hope that this film prompts further  conversations and empathy.

Follow director Romina Cenisio on IG

Follow cinematographer/producer Sean Mattison on IG

Follow short film Exodus on IG

Follow director Nimco Sheikhaden on IG

Follow producer Sara Chishti on IG

This episode is co-hosted by John Wildman of Films Gone Wild

Audio produced by Jeff Hunt of Storied: SF