A small library built in 1904, the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, sits at the intersection of two worlds; Derby Line, a quaint town that straddles the Vermont-Quebec border, where the hard line between America and Canada dissolves. French books are on the right, English books on the left, symbolizing the meeting of cultures, languages, and places. In this unique town, the opera house is divided—it is the only cross-border theater in the world, a majority of the chairs sit in the U.S., while the stage lies in Canada.

Derby Line, is an investigation into the notion of borders. The library possesses dual jurisdiction, granting access to the other side to anyone with a valid visa. Yet, amidst this borderless place, family and friend reunions are strictly prohibited inside the building. In the aftermath of the Trump travel ban, the library served as a haven for international reunions, showcasing the power of unity amidst adversity. A mother clutches her daughter's hand on the border, evoking love amidst separation, and a couple meets outside the library, defying restrictions for the sake of love.

In Derby Line, a town steeped in both fear and hope, land and border politics become grayed, muddled, and arbitrary. The border, simultaneously imaginary and lethal, leaves an indelible mark on lives. The Haskell Free Library and Opera House, traditionally a venue where communities gather, is a space where paradoxes flourish and come to life. Within Derby Line, borders meant to divide land and people are transformed into a catalyst for unity, embracing diverse cultures, languages, and the sense of community they foster. Containment, freedom, openness, and the interplay between place and people intertwine, evoking both disconnections and connections. My personal investment in this project is deeply intertwined with the complexities I navigate in my own cross-border relationship with my partner, amplifying my passion and commitment to exploring this intriguing subject matter.