Educational Media Reviews Online

Secrets from Putumayo touches upon a topic not widely discussed: the human rights violations that the Peruvian Amazon Company inflicted upon the indigenous peoples in the Amazon basin. These actions were exposed by Roger Casement, a British consul sent to Brazil in 1906 to investigate the company on behalf of the British government. Although the company was based in Peru, the board of directors was British, and the company was on the London stock exchange. Casement’s previously published report on the human rights violations in the Congo Free State combined with his report from his time in the Amazon and his experiences in his native Ireland, led him to have negative views on British imperialism and capitalism.

During his time in the Putumayo region of the Amazon, Casement documented the conditions the indigenous workers endured as they collected rubber for the company. His findings revealed that in addition to being trapped in debt bondage, they were also subjected to torture, starvation, rape, and murder. Casement and those interviewed in the film believe the intent of the company, aside from profit, was extermination of the indigenous peoples.

This documentary features a dramatic narration of Casement’s diaries by actor Stephen Rea as well as images and videos taken during Casement’s investigation and the present day. Interviews with present day indigenous people provide examples of the worker’s experiences from their family histories passed down through generations. Although the narration of the diaries is in English, the interviews are mostly in Spanish or Portuguese with English subtitles. However, the white subtitles are clearly legible throughout the black and white film.

The production of the film is excellent. The narration, visuals, and music create a foreboding and poignant atmosphere that is effective at delivering the film’s message. The decision to feature a reading of Casement’s diaries was wise as it, combined with the visuals, gives viewers a strong sense of empathy as they will feel as if they are seeing the events through his eyes.

This film is highly recommended for courses or collections in Latin American studies, history, or political science.

Awards:
Official Selection, Hot Docs Film Festival; Official Selection, It’s All True International Documentary Film Festival; Official Selection, Vancouver International Film Festival; Official Selection, Galway Film Fleadh Ireland; Official Selection, Lima Film Festival; Official Selection, Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival

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