In “Kingdom of Shadows,” Bernardo Ruiz takes an unflinching look at the human cost of the U.S.-Mexico drug war through the perspectives of three unlikely individuals.  The film is now playing theaters in LA, NY, SD and MN as well as via VIDEO ON DEMAND.

In the docu-film Sister Consuelo Morales, based in the devastated city of Monterrey, prods government officials to take action against the drug cartels on behalf of grieving families whose loved ones have gone missing.

Texan rancher Don Henry Ford Jr. offers historical context for the evolution to the hyper-violent state of drug trafficking today, as he recounts his career as a smuggler during the 1980s, before he served time for importing marijuana.

And undercover agent-turned-senior Homeland Security officer, Oscar Hagelsieb, recounts his own remarkable journey, and offers a unique perspective on the U.S.’ role in the drug war. As the child of undocumented parents, Oscar grew up in an impoverished neighborhood where of his many peers gave in to the temptations of the drug economy.

“Kingdom Of Shadows” is written and directed by Bernardo Ruiz and produced by Katia Maguire and Ruiz. Executive producers are Participant Media’s Jeff Skoll and Diane Weyermann, and Boiling Pot’s Jimena Martí Haik and Carlos Gómez Andonaegui. Directors of photography are Antonio Cisneros, Juan Hernández and Claudio Rocha. Editor is Carla Gutierrez. Original music is by T. Griffin.