Riding La Bestia: How #WAY_Aurelio came to life

What did Alan Rexroth  say about his film?

#WAY_Aurelio is more than just a short film - it’s part of a much larger journey. The project originates from #WHEREAREYOU, a feature-length documentary that explores the limits of digital communication and the fragility of human connection in a hyperconnected world.

The idea for #WAY_Aurelio emerged quite naturally when the crew encountered Aurelio - an undocumented migrant - by chance at the border river between Mexico and Guatemala. His smartphone, the only thing he carried, became a symbol for everything the project wanted to explore: memory, dependency, isolation, hope. Aurelio’s entire past and future seemed to live inside that device. Up to this point, it had been his only companion.

Filming on the roof of ‚La Bestia‘, the infamous freight train heading north to the US border, was one of the most intense experiences. The challenges weren't just technical - they were existential. From navigating cartel-controlled areas to avoiding constant police controls, especially with an undocumented protagonist onboard and ensuring safety for both crew and subject in one of the world’s most dangerous regions, survival became part of the production.

All the more important, then, was the fact that the crew stuck together and everyone could rely on each other 100% and quickly grew into a tight unit. And beyond that, Aurelio was, of course, not just the cast, but soon became a crew member himself.

The essence of filmmaking is to enter new worlds. Each project changes the filmmaker, teaches him and is a chance to tell stories that feel urgent and human. #WAY_Aurelio also serves as a reflection on global migration flows, inviting viewers to reflect on their own place in the world.