Forbidden: Undocumented and Queer in Rural America

Tiffany Rhynard's documentary centers on Moises Serrano, who came to the U.S. at the age of 18 months with his illegal immigrant Mexican parents. The Serrano family settled in rural North Carolina, where they lived without problem until 2007, when state laws began to crack down on illegal immigrants obtaining a driver's license or college scholarship funds. Being an illegal immigrant and Hispanic in an overwhelmingly white and conservative area was stressful enough, but Serrano is also homosexual. Rather than live in the proverbial shadows, Serrano decided to become a vocal and ubiquitous political activist for the legal rights of illegal immigrants and the LGBT community. He also found a romantic partner who could provide emotional support for his efforts. While Serrano's activist passion is admirable, it also eventually becomes strident, and the film intentionally blurs the line between legal and illegal immigration while also acting as if people in violation of immigration laws are victims of a callous society (the broad swipe at white Southerners as being monolithic in their alleged racism is a dreary stereotype). And Serrano often seems more interested in calling attention to himself rather than his multiple causes, making this a rather long slog. A so-so documentary on a hot-button topic, this is an optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)