Carmela and the Walkers

Near the Ecuador-Colombia border, 56-year-old Afro-Ecuadorian Carmela lives with her husband and eight children. She opens her home to provide free food and shelter for thousands of Venezuelan migrants fleeing hardship, despite opposition from her children, distrust from neighbors, the pandemic, and scarce aid.

When borders close during the pandemic, Carmela faces an emotional crisis as migrants stop coming. Her husband, Carlos, unable to transport fruits legally, turns to illegal routes and is imprisoned for 20 months on false drug charges. Carmela takes his place, crossing the closed border illegally to sell goods, challenging her principles of honesty.

With her absence, her children overcome prejudices and step up to help those in need. When Carlos is released, Carmela must heal her family’s wounds while continuing her mission of solidarity.

Framed as a heroine’s journey, the film explores Carmela’s intimate story, her family, and the migration crisis in the region.