Deep Dive: Massacre River (2019)
Film Lens

Massacre River tells the story of Pikilina, a Dominican-born woman of Haitian descent, who faces the consequences of the Dominican Republic's reversal of birthright citizenship. This change leaves her and approximately 200,000 others stateless, highlighting the racial and political violence that ensues as a result of this policy shift.
The film examines the impact of this citizenship reversal on individuals and families, focusing on Pikilina's personal experiences and the wider effects for human rights in the region. It provides a critical look at the intersection of immigration and civil rights in the Caribbean, particularly in the context of the ongoing struggles faced by those of Haitian descent in the Dominican Republic.
Why Watch
- •Meet Pikilina and her fight for rights in the Dominican Republic.
- •See the impact of citizenship laws on 200,000 individuals.
- •Find out about the racial tensions in the Caribbean.
Did You Know
•Pikilina is part of a group of 200,000 people left stateless.
•The Dominican Republic reversed birthright citizenship in 2013.
•Racial and political violence escalated following the citizenship change.
Perfect For
Human rights advocatesImmigration policy enthusiastsCaribbean history buffs