Cartel Land

Dir. Matthew Heineman. 2015, 100 mins. Digital projection. This widely acclaimed, multiple Sundance Award-winning film takes an immersive, on-the-ground look at the journeys of two modern-day vigilante groups and their shared enemy—the murderous Mexican drug cartels. In the Mexican state of Michoacán, Dr. Jose Mireles, a small-town physician known as “El Doctor,” leads the Autodefensas, a citizen uprising against the vicious Knights Templar cartel. Meanwhile, in Arizona’s Altar Valley, Tim “Nailer” Foley, an American veteran, heads up a small paramilitary group to police the leaky border. Filmmaker Matthew Heineman and cameraman Matt Porwoll travel deep into dangerous territory to witness ambushes, double-crossings, and intense street combat, and the result is a chilling meditation on the breakdown of order and the blurred line between good and evil. Nominated for five Cinema Eye Honors, including Outstanding Achievement in Direction and Nonfiction Feature Filmmaking.

Tickets: $12 ($9 for senior citizens and students / free for members at the Film Lover level and above). Order tickets online. (Members may contact [email protected] with any questions regarding online reservations.)




All tickets include same-day admission to the Museum (see gallery hours). View the Museum’s ticketing policy here. For more information on membership and to join online, visit our membership page.