Educational Media Reviews Online

We Don’t Play Golf Here offers a tight collection of stories of the impact of globalization in Mexico. Each story is introduced with a good deal of background and context. For example, in 1995, a group of developers obtained the rights to build a golf course near Tepoztlan, Mexico. The townspeople stood up and through persistence, have halted these plans. The film then examines the plight of small landowners, fending off large land owners, drug traffickers, lumber companies, and even the Mexican military. Again, through solidarity, a good deal of these land owners have been able to resist these strong-arm tactics. Regrettably, the concluding stories of toxic waste dumping and factory closings have a much bleaker outlook.

This is an outstanding work in terms of both production and information presented. Renowned director Saul Landau skillfully weaves personal accounts with quickly accompanying commentary to demonstrate the personal as well as large scale issues. This represents a brilliant and well timed blend of interviews, still shots, and text displays to illustrate a well focused set of topics, including poverty and the far-reaching implications of NAFTA. Furthermore, many of the film’s explanations are presented in straightforward economic terms.

This film is highly recommended to those with an interest in the particular, but certainly not exclusive, consequences of globalization in Mexico.