Zona Norte is a haunting and deeply human documentary that brings to light the often overlooked stories of homelessness and survival on the borderlands of Tijuana, Mexico. Directed by Javier Ávila, the film follows the lives of four men — Alex, Hugo, Alan, and Anthony — as they navigate the precarious existence of life in the Zona Norte neighborhood.

Caught in the limbo between two nations, the characters reflect on broken family ties, addiction, lost opportunities, and an enduring hope for redemption. As outcasts in a society that offers little compassion, their friendship and shared dreams of a second chance form the emotional core of the film.
Rather than relying on statistics or outside narration, Zona Norte gives voice to its subjects through raw, intimate interviews and unfiltered glimpses of daily life. The result is a powerful meditation on resilience, human connection, and the systems that fail those living on the margins.

Acclaimed at international festivals including DOK.fest Munich, this 2023 co-production between Mexico and Qatar is a poignant reminder of the humanity often hidden in plain sight and the universal longing for dignity, belonging, and hope.

Berlin audiences will have a chance to experience Zona Norte firsthand during its second Berlin screening on Tuesday, April 29th at 7:00 PM at @ilkinoberlin (Nansenstraße 22, 12047 Berlin). The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with director Javier Ávila, offering an opportunity to dive deeper into the stories behind the film. Tickets are available here.

Watch the trailer: Zona Norte Trailer