Films
Norma
Amid rising anti-immigration sentiments in post-Trump America, Sister Norma Pimentel’s humanitarian work across the Rio Grande reveals the sobering consequences of closing the American border.
The Story
In September 2020, a once bustling migrant shelter, Sister Norma Pimentel’s Respite Center sits empty as asylum seekers are forced to wait in Mexico. With strict immigration policies in place, Pimentel focuses her efforts on the tent camps along the Rio Grande. Her weekly visits bring comfort and aid as the immigrants look to her as a beacon of hope. Urgency builds as Pimentel fights to get the families out of deplorable conditions. With unfiltered access, director Christina Ramirez follows Pimentel’s daily life from 2020 to present day giving a first-hand account of what is happening at the border. Norma is unlike any other border story, bringing new life and impact to one of today's biggest conflicts.
Once admired across party lines, Sister Norma Pimentel becomes the target of right wing extremism. Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones shows up at the Respite Center and harasses staff. The fire is fueled further when an investigation into Pimentel is launched by Texas Governor Abbott and her own Catholic community. In a moment of desperation she turns to Pope Francis for guidance, reminding Pimentel of her purpose. At a time when new immigration patterns are unfolding, and the number of arrivals at the US border are unprecedented, Pimentel stands at the frontline undeterred by the noise, relying on her faith and being God’s vessel for doing what’s right.