Alambrista! (1977)
A landmark of American independent cinema, Alambrista! tells the urgent, deeply human story of an undocumented Mexican worker navigating an indifferent world.
Alambrista! - Movie Information
- Original Title: Alambrista!
- Release Year: 1977
- Directed by: Robert M. Young
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 16, 1977 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: The Illegal (US)
- Production Countries: United States of America
Alambrista! - Plot
After the birth of his first child, Roberto, a young Mexican man, slips across the border into the United States. Seeking work to support his family back home, he finds that working hard is not enough.
Alambrista! - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Roberto's journey unfold across the border:
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Alambrista! - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Robert M. Young
Main Cast
- Domingo Ambriz
- Trinidad Silva
- Linda Gillen
- Ned Beatty
- Jerry Hardin
- Julius Harris
- Edward James Olmos
- Ludevina Mendez Salazar
- Maria Guadalupe Chavez
- Rafaela Cervantes de Gomez
Writers
- Robert M. Young
Producers
- Michael Hausman
- Irwin Young
Alambrista! - FAQs
What is Alambrista! about?
Alambrista! follows Roberto, a young Mexican man who crosses the US border illegally after his first child is born, desperate to earn money for his family. The film portrays his grueling journey through agricultural labor camps, capturing the exploitation and loneliness faced by undocumented workers with unflinching realism.
Is Alambrista! based on a true story?
Alambrista! is not based on one specific true story, but director Robert M. Young spent considerable time researching and documenting the real lives of undocumented Mexican migrant workers before making the film. The result is a deeply authentic portrait grounded in genuine human experience rather than fictional invention.
Who directed Alambrista! and what makes it unique?
Robert M. Young directed Alambrista!, also serving as cinematographer and writer. What sets the film apart is its documentary-like visual style — handheld camera work, natural lighting, and a largely non-professional cast — giving it an immediacy and rawness rarely found in narrative cinema of its era.
Who are the main actors in Alambrista!?
Domingo Ambriz leads the cast as Roberto, the young migrant at the heart of the story. He's joined by Trinidad Silva, Linda Gillen, Ned Beatty, Jerry Hardin, Julius Harris, and a notably early appearance by Edward James Olmos, years before his breakthrough in Zoot Suit and Miami Vice.
Did Alambrista! win any awards?
Yes — Alambrista! won the Camera d'Or at the 1978 Cannes Film Festival, the prestigious prize awarded to the best debut feature. The recognition helped bring international attention to Robert M. Young's intimate portrayal of undocumented immigration and cemented the film's place as an important work of American independent cinema.
Where can you stream Alambrista!?
You can stream Alambrista! on the Criterion Channel, which offers it as part of its curated library of essential world and independent cinema. It's a great destination for film lovers who want to discover this landmark of American independent filmmaking in a high-quality presentation.
When was Alambrista! released?
Alambrista! was released on October 16, 1977, in the United States. The film also screened at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival before its theatrical release, where it began attracting critical attention for its bold, humanistic approach to the subject of undocumented immigration.
What are some films similar to Alambrista!?
If Alambrista! resonated with you, you might also enjoy Upon Entry (2023), Carmen (2023), Tótem (2023), and On the Edge (2022) — films that similarly explore themes of migration, identity, and survival with emotional depth and authenticity. Three Goodbyes (2025) and A Father's Miracle (2025) are also worth exploring.
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