Full Breakdown
Exploring the Lives of Grooms at Churchill Downs: The Documentary "Backside"
11/19/2025, 3:00:12 AM
Overview of the Documentary
"Backside" is a cinéma vérité-style documentary directed by Raúl O. Paz-Pastrana that focuses on the lives of grooms at Churchill Downs, the venue for the Kentucky Derby. The film recently premiered at the Denver Film Festival and is set to be released to the public in April 2026 through PBS’ Independent Lens, followed by a July release on Amazon Prime. Paz-Pastrana's approach emphasizes participatory storytelling, allowing the subjects—primarily immigrant workers—agency over their narratives.
The Inspiration Behind "Backside"
Paz-Pastrana's interest in the grooms' stories began during visits to his in-laws in Lexington, Kentucky, where he observed the immigrant workers around the horses. He noted, “After I saw the immigrants around the horses, I could not stop seeing the immigrants more than the horses.” This realization sparked his obsession with understanding the community dynamics among the grooms and their relationships with the horses.
Background of Raúl O. Paz-Pastrana
Before becoming a filmmaker, Paz-Pastrana was a labor and immigrant rights organizer, working with various nonprofits including Fuerza Latina and SEIU Local 105. His transition to filmmaking was motivated by a desire to tell stories that reflect the immigrant experience, which he believes are often misrepresented in mainstream narratives. He stated, “I consider myself an activist first and anything else later,” highlighting his commitment to advocacy through his art.
The Unique Perspective of "Backside"
Paz-Pastrana aims to challenge the prevailing narratives surrounding immigration, which he describes as often focusing on "doom and gloom." He emphasizes that the stories of his family and friends are filled with humor and resilience, a sentiment he strives to capture in his films. “They will put themselves as heroes,” he remarked, contrasting this with the more negative portrayals typically found in media.
Official Statements & Responses
Paz-Pastrana has expressed a strong belief in the importance of documentary filmmaking as part of a broader movement for social change. He noted, “Documentary is part of an ecosystem where people who are changing the world are on the front lines.” This perspective underscores his commitment to ensuring that the stories of marginalized communities are told and reflected on screen.
Criticism & Opposition
While Paz-Pastrana's work has been well-received, there is a broader critique of how immigrant stories are often framed in media. Critics argue that many documentaries focus excessively on trauma without showcasing the resilience and agency of immigrant communities. Paz-Pastrana's approach seeks to counter this narrative by highlighting the everyday lives and triumphs of the grooms.
Verbatim Quotes
- “After I saw the immigrants around the horses, I could not stop seeing the immigrants more than the horses,” — Raúl O. Paz-Pastrana, Director
- “I consider myself an activist first and anything else later,” — Raúl O. Paz-Pastrana, Director
- “They are with humor…they will put themselves as heroes.” — Raúl O. Paz-Pastrana, Director
- “Documentary is part of an ecosystem where people who are changing the world are on the front lines,” — Raúl O. Paz-Pastrana, Director
"Backside" represents a significant contribution to the documentary landscape, aiming to provide a nuanced portrayal of the immigrant experience within the context of horse racing at Churchill Downs.
