“Maybe I’m going to die. I don’t know.”
Anthony was lying unconscious on a sidewalk in Tijuana, a city located near the Mexican-American border, after three days of non-stop heroin abuse. He was suffering from respiratory depression due to overdose. Luckily, his friends who already knew about his predicament quickly conducted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Not long after, Anthony’s heartbeat returned. However, who knows what he was feeling, relieved or devastated because he had to face the reality once again.
“I’m a person that depends on heroin. I just can’t change. And I realize I have nothing but… but I’m still here.”
Anthony is one of many living on the border; not only between countries but also between life and death situations. Zona Norte (Javier Ávila, 2022) captures the lives of Anthony, Alex, Hugo, and Alan who strive to survive the alienation, isolation, and confusion by using heroin in the Zona Norte neighborhood of Tijuana. Heroin is the last ember that keeps the flame of their lives alive. Its euphoric effects make it difficult for these four to break free from the grip of this drug.
They have their own way in savoring heroin. Ranging from being dissolved in water to injected directly through a needle. They also mix several other types of opioids such as crystal meth, china white, and amphetamines in order to feel the sensation of a bright and artificial life.
“I have lost my beauty. They’re wounds caused by drugs. And despite these wounds, I keep using drugs.”
Not only did heroin ruin their lives and damage their central nervous system, it also scarred their bodies. Bruises and bumps from the injections painted all over the four men’s bodies. Wounds that seemed to be tattoos; silent witnesses to their life journey. Anthony, Alex, Hugo, and Alan’s trip of excruciating pain is compiled in 88 minutes of Zona Norte (2022). This film is in competition for International Feature-Length Competition Festival Film Dokumenter 2023. (Hesty N. Tyas) (Vanis)
Film Details
Zona Norte
Javier Ávila | 88 Minutes | 2022 | Mexico, Qatar | Color | 17+
Screening Schedule
12.04 | Bioskop Sonobudoyo | 13.00 WIB
