The Last of The Gunslingers

A Visit to The Border

2011-04-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

With the permission from the Chief of Police of San Diego we had the opportunity yesterday to visit several areas of the San Diego/Tijuana Border. The purpose was to visit areas where some of most famous exploits of The Border Crime Task Force occurred and document them. Along with the production crew in attendance was also Ernesto Salgado, Carlos Chacon and Eddie Cervantes - all original members of The Border Crime Task Force.

The experience was surreal. To be able to actually visit the areas you read so much about and where so much suffering occurred is just beyond words to be able to explain. So much has changed along the border since the project disbanded in the mid 1970's. Today, two huge walls which stretch for miles separate the U.S. and Mexico but back then they did not exist. People were able to move freely back and forth if they so desired. Nevertheless, today if you visit this border you can picture what it must have been like with hundreds people moving north on a nightly basis and in the pitch dark canyons the bandits waiting for them....

Special thanks to Ernesto Salgado for arranging all this and for the rest of the gunslingers who showed up and shared their memories with us.

Onward.

- Robert

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PICTURES.

Looking for Funding

2010-07-27T09:42:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since the last post but rest assured we are busy behind the scenes working on the documentary. To tell this incredible story the way we feel it should be told of course requires some funding so we are busy looking for it.

Stay tuned ......

- Robert

Production Notes - 3/13/10

2010-03-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

We were in San Diego last week interviewing a few more people for the documentary.

Colleen O'Halloran (producer) took the reigns this time and did the questioning. It was fascinating to hear the exploits and what these men went through to help others.

We also re-interviewed Manny Lopez. He was the leader of The Border Crime Task Force. Thank you Manny for your time and we also thank Tony Puente and Richard Medina.

- Robert and Colleen

Manny Lopez

Tony Puente

Richard Medina

The Last of The Gunslingers Store is Open!

2010-02-16T19:09:00.000-08:00

Dear Friend,

We are excited to announce the launch of our online store in support of the documentary in-progress, "The Last of The Gunslingers." All proceeds from the sale of any item in this store will go towards the production of this documentary. We truly appreciate your support in helping us to bring this incredible story to life.

This online store enables us to produce pretty much any thing we want with any wording we want. If you don't see anything you want or if you have an idea for an item, shoot us an email and we will try to create it for you. Anything is possible. We will also be adding other items as they are created so make sure you check back often.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT STORE.

We also have a beautiful book for purchase. You can see a preview of the book by clicking here.

Again, thank you for your support.

Regards,

Robert Godina
Director
The Last of The Gunslingers
www.thelastofthegunslingers.com

A Look Back At Our First Event

2010-02-03T21:35:00.000-08:00

Tuesday night's event was a huge success. We are so grateful for all those that took time out of their busy schedule and come support us. We hope you all had fun and had a chance learn more about this documentary and meet some of the guys.

Special thanks to my producer Colleen for finding such a great venue and putting it all together; to my other producer and lovely wife Veronica; to Manny Lopez for emceeing the event; to our event photographers; The Pearl Hotel for letting us host this event there and to the rest of The Border Crime Task Force guys. And special thanks to Outside The Lens for supporting our event and documentary. They do great work with underprivileged kids. Check out their web site for more info. You all are incredible.

Click here to see more pics from the event.

A brief rundown of the event went as follows:

People arrived and had some time to mingle, drink, eat and get to meet some of the guys. Manny Lopez (who was the leader of the task force) was the emcee. He started off by introducing all the task force members that were present and explaining what the purpose of the task force was all about. He then introduced myself, Veronica and Colleen. I said a few words and showed a couple of clips.

The first was the trailer for the documentary followed by a special tribute video I put together for Lt. Dick Snider who was the founder of The Border Crime Task Force. He past away on Dec 28 and was a very good man. Prior to his passing I had the opportunity to fly to Missouri to interview him. He meant a lot to all the guys. They saw the video for the first time and they were very touched by it. I was very happy with the way this short video came out and I hope I was able to convey what a great guy Lt. Snider was and how much he meant to a lot of people. You can see this video below.

Lt. Snider Tribute Video

To see a higher quality version of this video go to our media page.

The following morning we meet some of the guys for breakfast at The Studio Diner - which was a film studio converted into a restaurant. A very unique place.

And what did I have for breakfast? The "Gunslinger" of course. It was meant to be ; )

One more thing - in the Lt. Snider tribute video there is a shot of a sign that says "The Pearl" (see screenshot below). He was called that by his close friends. We ended up having this event at a hotel called "The Pearl." Total coincidence. I didn't realize this until Veronica pointed this out during the screening. I get goosebumps just thinking about it. I think he was watching all this from above : )

- Robert

Our First Fundraising Event!

2009-12-29T18:51:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

You are invited to a special event! Click on the image for more info.

We hope you can stop by and spend an exciting evening with us and get to see some of the incredible progress that has been made on the documentary - “The Last of The Gunslingers.” You will get to see pictures, trailers, interview clips and get to meet some of original members of this unique task force.

To RSVP for this event, click on the below link:

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

For more information about the documentary visit:

http://thelastofthegunslingers.com/

We hope to see you there!

Regards,

Robert Godina - Director

Veronica Godina & Colleen O’Halloran - Producers

** Can't make it but still want to help. You can! Please make a tax deductible contribution to our film through International Documentary Association. Donate Today

In memory of Lt. Dick Snider

2009-12-28T16:57:00.000-08:00

I received the sad news that this morning Lt. Dick Snider (ret) passed away due to complications with cancer. He was the founder of BARF. I had the opportunity to interview him and his lovely wife, Judy, a few months ago for the documentary.

Our hearts go out to all his family and friends. I only wish he could of seen the completed documentary but I am so grateful to have met him. He was a great man and left a great impression on me.

- Robert

My trip to Missouri

2009-08-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I took a trip to Missouri and spent a day with Lt. Dick Snider (ret) and his lovely wife, Judy.

Dick was the originator of The Border Crime Task Force. He was the founder. If it wasn't for him the project never would of existed.

I spent the day interviewing him for the documentary. He is a great man and very brave. The stories he told me are incredible. His contributions to the history of law enforcement is just amazing.

Can't wait to see how his final interview comes out in the documentary.
- Robert

Trailer!!!

2009-06-25T21:11:00.001-07:00

Great news! Our first trailer is up!!!

CLICK HERE

Sheriff Kolender Retirement Party

2009-06-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the privilege of attending a retirement party for the Sheriff of San Diego, Bill Kolender. He retires later this month. In 1976 Mr. Kolender was the Chief of Police of San Diego and he was the one who approved The Border Crime Task Force.

The majority of the task force members were present. It was great to see all the guys together in one location. The next time they all get together like this again will be at the movie premier for the documentary. Mark my words : )

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PICTURES.

2009-06-04T16:21:00.000-07:00

Great news!

Our documentary now has fiscal sponsorship by The International Documentary Association (IDA). After submitting a proposal to them for review they have deemed this documentary to be worthy of fiscal sponsorship by them.

We are very excited and know that this will open many doors for us and help us to get this documentary done.

Click here for more information.

- Robert

After 53 Years, Kolender Steps Down

2009-05-14T17:35:00.000-07:00

San Diego Sheriff Bill Kolender, who was the San Diego Chief of Police during the events of this documentary, is retiring. Sheriff Kolender was instrumental in approving the task force and eventually disbanding it due to safety concerns for the officers.

Click here to read the actual article.

Rene Camacho Preview Clip

2009-02-25T16:47:00.000-08:00

Rene was also a member of BARF. Here you can see a short preview clip from his interview talking about the sights and sounds of the border at night.

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO

Manny Lopez Radio Interview

2009-02-25T16:42:00.000-08:00

Here is some more media this week from Manny. He did a radio interview on a local San Diego internet radio station. The web site is www.artrocks.ws. You can listen to the interview on their web site or click on the play button below.

Manny talks about being a police officer and about the Border Crime Task Force. The documentary is also mentioned.

- Robert

San Diego Magazine Press!

2009-02-23T17:48:00.000-08:00

Here's some cool news! An article on Manny Lopez came out in the March 2009 edition of San Diego Magazine. We get a little more history on Manny and the documentary is also mentioned.

CLICK HERE TO READ ARTICLE.

- Robert

"Lines & Shadows," in Spanish

2009-01-21T12:42:00.001-08:00

My late grandfather was a prolific reader. Prior to him passing away (over 15 years ago) I visited him in Mexico one day and we started talking about recent books we were reading. To my amazement he started talking about "Lines and Shadows," which I was reading at the same time. It was a total coincidence.

He stated how important the story was and how the border problems had no easy solution. After I started this documentary I searched for his copy of the book but it looked like it was lost - until by accident my grandmother found it and sent it to me. Here you can see the cover.

On the last page of the book it states this is one copy of only 30,000 copies that were printed. A collectors item in my opinion : )

The translation for the paragraph at the bottom of the book reads as follows - "10 men try to conquer the complex and dangerous frontier between the United States and Mexico. A novel where reality is even more terrifying than fiction."

- Robert

Words of Encouragement

2009-01-13T12:28:00.000-08:00

I received this email the other day from a police officer in Camden, NJ. It's really great to get emails like this and to know that people do care about this story. To me it's really encouraging and it's evident that other police officers understand the importance of this project and the personal sacrifice these men went through.

"Every once in a while I surf the net looking for any info I can find on the heroes of what I consider to be one of the most incredible stories in the history of law enforcement.

"Your project is, in my opinion, is long overdue. The story of what these officers accomplished in those hills at great personal sacrifice needed to be expanded upon.

"Lines and Shadows remains my favorite book. A book that I always felt should be transferred to film. The participants needed to be heard through their own voices. I will be visiting your website periodically in anticipation of any news on your project. Thank you."

Sergeant Kurt Clauss
Camden City Police Dept.
Camden, NJ

San Diego Union-Tribune Article

2008-09-02T20:30:00.001-07:00

(NELVIN C. CEPEDA / Union-Tribune

José Arias Martínez, 75, has lived more than half his life in a small wooden house near the border. During times of greater smuggling activity, he would sell carnitas in the hills.)

I was forwarded the below article by Tony Puente, a fellow BARFer, about the border. Goes to show that even after 30 years some things do not change.

CLICK HERE TO READ ARTICLE

- Robert

Rene Camacho Interview

2008-08-27T16:12:00.001-07:00

We did Rene's interview today. I want to thank him for taking the time to talk to us.

What a great guy. Very sincere and heart warming. You can tell that he loved his job back then and even to this day takes a lot pride in working for the San Diego sheriff's department.

Thanks Rene!

- Robert

Joe Castillo Interview

2008-08-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

I want to thank Joe for coming out last week for his interview. He is a great guy and provided a lot more insight on the project.

- Robert

Eddie Cervantes Preview Clip

2008-08-05T20:44:00.001-07:00

Eddie was a member of BARF. Here you can see a short preview clip from his interview talking specifically about the bandits.

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO CLIP

Photo Restoration Continues

2008-08-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

Restoring old photos from the project continues. There are a lot of photos to fix but the process is almost complete. Here are a few of the guys in training and arresting some bandits.

- Robert

Ernie Salgado Interview

2008-07-03T14:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we interviewed Ernie Salgado who was also a member of BARF (Border Alien Robbery Force).

I want to clarify that at the start of the project it was called BCTF (Boder Crime Task Force) but was later changed to BARF.

Thanks for your time Ernie!

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PICTURES

- Robert

Photos Restoration

2008-06-30T15:46:00.000-07:00

We have started restoring old photos from The Border Crime Task Force. All I can say is wow! I am really happy with the results so far. There are plenty more to fix.

These photos are over 30 years old and some look like they were taken yesterday. Kudos to the guys for keeping these photos as they will be important to the documentary.

You can see some samples of how they looked like "before" and "after" with the help of Photoshop.

I can't wait to include them in the final documentary.

- Robert

Fred Gil Interview

2008-06-26T18:28:00.000-07:00

Fred Gil came out today for his interview. He was also a member of the Border Crime Task Force - or BARF (Border Alien Robbery Force) as it was later called.

Fred is another great guy and we want to thank him for taking the time to talk to us. As I talk to more and more of them I am finding out how much they wanted to help the illegal aliens crossing the border at that time. They were really sincere and wanted to make a difference.

Thanks Fred!

CLICK HERE TO SEE PICTURES

Manny Lopez Preview Clip

2008-06-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

It's official. Today we put up our first media clip from Manny's interview.

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO CLIP

Eddie Cervantes Interview

2008-06-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

We interviewed Eddie Cervantes yesterday who was also part of the Border Crime Task Force. We want to thank him for taking the time to talk to us. Eddie is a great guy and contributed enormously to the project.

Thanks for the t-shirt!

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PICTURES

- Robert

Origins

2008-06-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

It started one day around ten years ago with a visit to my favorite place in the world - my local bookstore. I came across a book which intrigued me just from reading the dust jacket.

That book was called "Lines and Shadows" written by Joseph Wambaugh . This was a best seller about the exploits of The Border Crime Task Force. At that time I had only been familiar with the film, "The Onion Field," which was based on Mr. Wambaugh's book by the same title. I thought the film was very powerful and I especially remembered the great performance of James Woods in that film.

I think I read "Lines and Shadows" in just a couple of days and ever since this amazing story has been etched in my brain. I always felt the story needed to be told visually through a documentary or film.

I related to the story in many ways. I had many family members come across the border during that same time period (1976) and thankfully none of them fell victim to some of the horrible crimes.

I am very excited that we have finally started production on a documentary based on these events. I can't thank all the guys of The Border Crime Task Force enough for their generosity in talking to me and getting their story told. A special thanks to Mr. Wambaugh for bringing this incredible story to light.

- Robert

Production begins!

2008-06-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we started the interview process. We started with Manny Lopez who was the leader of the project. I want to thank him for his time. He was very generous. It's amazing how he recalled all of their exploits with such great detail.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PICTURES

The Border Crime Task Force - 1976

2008-05-11T20:03:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting a while to get my hands on this picture. It basically shows all the guys "in uniform" - dressed as illegal aliens. Do you think they passed the test? I think so!

It's amazing how real they looked. They had to. At times it was a matter of life and death. They had to convince the bandits that they were illegal aliens who were looking to cross the border. They had to get the bandits to assault them so they could be arrested. They had to learn all the mannerisms of illegal aliens. The spoken language. The body language. All of it was important. All of it was crucial to the success of the project.

Click here to see a description of who' s who in the picture.

- Robert

1st Meeting

2008-05-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

Veronica and I drove to San Diego yesterday and had our first meeting with some of the guys. I want to thank all of them for taking the time to talk to us. They were all very gracious and I am very excited that they all agreed to take part in the documentary.

Each of these men have sacrificed a lot and have experienced something that we can only imagine about. I can't wait for you to hear their stories.

Pictured above, from left to right:

Tony Puente, Eddie Cervantes, Manny Lopez, Me (Robert Godina), Joe Castillo and Fred Gil.

Click here to see more pics.

My Gratitude

2008-05-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

First and foremost I want to thank my beautiful wife Veronica whose love, support and encouragement has made this project possible.

I thank God for having you and our beautiful kids in my life.

Here's to the future!

- Robert