2020
On August 18, 1971, First Lady Pat Nixon declared a stretch of land along the US-Mexico border a “Friendship Park,” willing two countries toward a common future. Decades later, this spirited inauguration hangs above the meeting place like a specter, charged by the border’s harsh realities. Vibrant digitized color film from the Richard Nixon Presidential Library along with stirring musical and oral performances from the inaugural event clash against the present, as TOO LONG HERE ponders the implications of an empty promise.
Produced by Friends of Friendship Park & Marginal Gap Films
World Premiere: Borders I No Borders Film Festival November 2020
California Premiere: San Diego Latino Film Festival 2021
East Coast Premiere: Prismatic Ground Film Festival April 8-18th, 2021
Next Showing: August 2021 installation at Bread&Salt, Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, and streaming online August 19th
Writeup: 7 Films to See at Prismatic Ground “More or less a seven-minute short film looking at the day that former First Lady Pat Nixon inaugurated a stretch of land along the US-Mexico border as “Friendship Park,” Too Long Here is director Emily Packer’s recontextualizing this event opposite the increasing racism and xenophobia that has ultimately culminated with not just former president Donald Trump, but his “liberal” replacement Joe Biden potentially continuing the building of the disastrous border wall. A soul-crushing exploration of America’s failed promise and increasing descent into nationalism is the real focus here, with Packer using lushly restored footage from the inauguration set against what the viewer is keenly aware of as the future for this relationship. In just seven minutes Packer stacks her film with fascinating moments from that day in history, and culminates with an absolute emotional gut punch of a final moment. A fascinating, deeply important work.”
Other Press: The San Diego Union-Tribune
Other Screenings: Latino Film Market, July 26th -August 1st, 2021
Sneak peaks:
March 2020 Feminist Border Arts Film Festival in New Mexico
February 9th, 2020 Bread & Salt
September 14th, 2019 Islamic Center in San Diego
September 21st, 2019 El Parque de La Amistad en Tijuana
September 28th, 2019 Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space in New York City
TRT: 00:06:39