Raised by Our Own Authority 2006
Distributed by Third World Newsreel, 545 Eighth Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018; 212-947-9277
Produced by The Communication Network of the Association of Indigenous Councils of the North of Cauca
Directed by Mauyricio Acosta
DVD, color, 25 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Latin American Studies, Social Justice, Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights, Free Trade Agreement, History, Political Science, Sociology, Government
Date Entered: 11/21/2008
Reviewed by Malcolm L. Rigsby, Department of Sociology, Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, ARWhat creates a “call” to take a stand? Many indigenous people of Columbia took such as stand in mid-May 2006. Their call: “We demand respect for our lives, our dignity, and the autonomy of our rights as people; we are human.”
This news-documentary film is a stark look at the reality of what it is to be truly downcast and to be able to take a stand in protest—to seek basic human dignity.
The film is a composite of edits from news coverage as well as live camera activity taken on location during May 15 through 18, 2006 when an estimated 300,000 indigenous peoples gather in solidarity to call for the Columbian government to clarify and finalize proper textual content for the twenty year old Free Trade Agreement with the United States of America. With the organization of the Indigenous Guard the people rally, young, old, married, and single to spearhead the attention of the Columbian authorities. The title of the film Raised by Our Own Authority is powerfully exhibited as the viewer sees the rigors these people must face as they call for a summit with the Columbian officials. The brutal reality is depicted of the powerless seeking to receive recognition of the powerful without sacrificing honor and becoming themselves an image of the powerful. The example of the consequences of free speech and demonstration rings loud and clear as the viewer enters the village of La Maria in the aftermath of the Columbian government’s response for a call to summit.
The symbol of the “Command Staff” as a sign of solidarity and as a binding agent among smaller diverse groups of peoples serves a strong backdrop to the film title and message; “We are raised with our staffs of authority”.
This film, although live shot and compiled of various sources, is an excellent and thought provoking reflection on life. It is a must see for American classes in government, sociology, history and political science. Audio, editing, and color are excellent for live coverage.
Subtitles move very quickly though. It is recommended that the “pause” button be used often so the titles can be read and the video impact fully realized. Since it is a short film, this is very workable. The film needs a concluding section to bring the viewer up to date on events surrounding the efforts for redress. This could be entered as a separate “chapter” on the DVD index.