Educational Media Reviews Online

In January 2007 the U.S. Department of State issued a warning to travelers that due to the continued risk of protest demonstrations and violence they should use caution when traveling to Oaxaca City. At least nine people, including an American citizen, have been shot and killed as a result of the unrest.

Part of the Call for Change series produced by Third World Newsreel this film takes us from the events of May 22, 2006 to October 29, 2006 when 5000 federal troops were sent to Oaxaca City. What started as a teacher’s union protest turned into a political protest representing the many dissatisfied groups in the region. Interviews with teacher protesters, footage of the raids, snapshots of the massive demonstrations are all presented to give the viewer a sense of what went on during those months. Oaxaca is one of the poorest areas of Mexico. Mainly an agricultural area its population is made up of Zapotec, Mixtec and other ethnic groups who hold fast to their cultural and historical roots. At dispute is the privatization of public education; foreign ownership of land; political corruption; and the gap between rich and poor; all exacerbated by NAFTA. This video is recommended for high school and adults seeking clarification of recent events in Mexico particularly Oaxaca. Mostly Spanish with English subtitles.