Ambos Nogales sets the stage for migrant-themed films starring Danny Trejo, Mel Gibson

Versión en español

Nogales, Arizona – Between the streets of Nogales and Tucson, Arizona, and the Sonoran Desert, actor Danny Trejo is helping to bring a story to life that reflects the experiences of thousands: those of migrants who risk everything for a better life. 

Meanwhile, actor and director Mel Gibson is preparing to portray another chapter of migrant stories in Ambos Nogales, situated on the border between Sonora and Arizona, where the border becomes a stage for drama, faith and survival.

For years, Ambos Nogales — a transborder community in southern Arizona and in northern Sonora with a history tied to migration — has been the setting for films on the subject. These include Steven Soderbergh's "Traffic" (2000), "Borderland" (2007), starring Jennifer Lopez, and “Teo's Journey” (2008), a drama directed by Walter Doehner, telling the story of a nine-year-old boy who is separated from his father while trying to cross the border.

Danny Trejo and the Sonoran Desert

The first of these productions is "Choir Practice," starring legendary actor Danny Trejo, alongside Rodrigo Rojas, who will take on the lead role, Jon Proudstar and JJ Urquidez.

"Choir Practice" highlights the dangers of crossing borders and the power of faith, taken from the real-life experiences of a Tucson priest that Rojas will play.

Filming began in April and wrapped up at the end of May this year under the production of Tucson-based Flat Dog Film. Filming took place in Nogales, Tucson, Marana, the town of Catalinas, and a ranch in Three Points, said Sally Shamrell, the film's director.

In an interview with CALÓ News, Shamrell shared that her friend Jimmy Driscoll, a retired Tucson police officer, told her 10 years ago about a Catholic priest, Fr. Mike Martinez, who plays bass in a band and enjoys hunting and fishing. He also accompanies police officers on patrol when he's not busy working as a priest. He could be a character for a series or a movie, he told her and she agreed.

Shamrell met Driscoll while working as a reporter and news anchor at KVOA in Tucson.

“It took me a long time, many years, to decide what story I wanted to write for this very unconventional priest,” Shamrell said. Martinez, who the lead character is based on, currently resides in Green Valley, Arizona, but lived in Tucson for many years.

She added that she heard about several kidnappings in Agua Prieta, Sonora, and many years later, thought it would be a great story to connect with the priest's character. As a practicing Catholic, she was intrigued by the idea of ​​confessionals: if a murderer confesses to killing someone, the priest can't say anything because of the seal of confession.

Thus, the plot was born, based on Martinez's life and a story involving his police friend, a migrant teenager lost in the Sonoran Desert and a drug cartel.

JJ Urquidez, an 18-year-old Tucson resident who recently graduated from high school, plays the teenager in the film.

“I was interested in participating in the film because it gave me the opportunity to showcase my acting skills beyond school projects and plays. The story itself was truly captivating, and after meeting with Sally and seeing her passion for the film, I felt inspired and ready to take on the challenge,” Urquidez told CALÓ News via email. “I appreciated the opportunity to grow and contribute to a project like this.”

He added that he has participated in some smaller projects in the past, including short films and school projects. This was his first time taking on a role on a larger scale. It was a fascinating step for him, he explained.

The film crew is currently in post-production and expects to wrap by early 2026. Nearly 80 actors and crew members, mostly from Tucson, made this crime thriller, the director said.

Mel Gibson and his upcoming film in Nogales

The film “Coyote” is in pre-production, but filming is confirmed to begin in mid-October of this year in Ambos Nogales. The story will revolve around a migrant who faces the challenges of the desert and border surveillance.

Directed by Beernz Prince, the film features internationally renowned actor Mel Gibson, according to a press release from the City Council of Nogales, Sonora. The production met with Nogales authorities in mid-August to secure permits for various locations.

"The film tells the story of a Mexican family who attempts to cross into the United States with the help of a retired drug trafficker, in an action-packed story that will include filming in iconic locations such as Benito Juárez Plaza, Reforma Street and other public spaces in Nogales, Sonora," the press release reads.

Most of the film will be filmed in New Mexico, another part in Italy and the remainder in Ambos Nogales. The cast includes Esaí Morales, recognized for his portrayal as Richie Valens’ brother Bob in the film “La Bamba,” who will play the titular role, as well as Carla Rodríguez Coronado, who will portray the mother of a girl trying to cross into the United States.

This production will have a binational focus, filmed in Nogales, Sonora, and Nogales, Arizona — sister cities divided by the border wall, but united by shared stories of migration and culture.

César Barrón is an independent reporter covering the transnational communities of Ambos Nogales. He has over 20 years of experience covering the Sonoran communities.