Filmmaker Errol Morris sheds light on the U.S. government’s border policies and family separation in his latest documentary, “Separated,” which premiered at the prestigious Venice Film Festival. The documentary chronicles the Trump administration’s decision to separate thousands of migrant parents from their children as part of its crackdown on illegal border crossings.

The film delves into the heartbreaking consequences of this policy and the subsequent legal challenges that arose. Despite facing significant opposition, the administration eventually reversed course in 2018, following a federal judge’s order for immediate reunification of families in a case brought by the ACLU.

According to data from the Department of Homeland Security, a total of 3,881 children were separated from their families between 2017 and 2021. The documentary is an adaptation of journalist Jacob Soboroff’s book “Separated: Inside an American Tragedy,” and serves as a poignant reminder of this dark chapter in American history.

Through compelling interviews and recreations, the film captures the emotional toll of family separation and underscores the need for a more humane approach to immigration policy.

“Separated” is not merely a retrospective but a cautionary tale for the future, urging viewers to reflect on the past to ensure such atrocities are never repeated. As the film prompts introspection and advocacy, its impact resonates far beyond the screen.

The documentary further shines a light on the efforts to reunite families under the Biden administration and emphasizes the ongoing challenges in rectifying the damage caused by past policies.

As “Separated” seeks a distributor, its creators hope to reach audiences before the upcoming U.S. presidential election, underscoring the urgency of its message. With a powerful narrative and a call to action, the documentary stands as a stark reminder of the need for empathy and reform in border policies.