“A moving portrait of unsung heroes.”—Christopher Reed, Hammer to Nail
Backside offers an intimate and tender glimpse into the lives of immigrant workers who begin their days at 2 a.m., seven days a week, year-round, caring for some of the world’s most prized racehorses.
Set against the backdrop of a racing season at Churchill Downs’ barns in Louisville, Kentucky —known as the “Backside”—this observational film reveals the symbiotic relationship of human and animal labor, celebrating the quiet beauty of unseen work and the resilience of those who sustain it.
The film had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival. 2025, U.S., DCP, in Spanish and English with English subtitles, Open Captions, 85 minutes. Recommended for 12+
Co-presented with the Backside Learning Center.
Generous support for this program has been provided by Churchill Downs.
CINEMA+ with a post-screening discussion with director Raúl O. Paz-Pastrana, producer Gabriella García-Pardo, producer Patricia Alvarez Astacio, and grooms featured in the documentary.