Tropico de cancer

An impressive, almost silent report of the way in which several families survive in the desert of San Luis Potosi in Mexico, located on the Tropic of Cancer. They live as in prehistoric times in perilous conditions among the cactuses. Under the scorching sun, they use homemade traps and weapons to catch birds, rodents, tortoises and poisonous snakes. Their primary worry is starvation. They eat what they catch and sell their products to rich car owners along the highway, while truck after truck races along Highway 57, the most important trade route in Mexico.

All this time, Polgovsky is watching over their shoulder. Tropico de cancer already won the prize for best documentary at the Morelia Festival in Mexico. (Gerwin Tamsma)