Educational Media Reviews Online

The Maya people of Chiapas, in southern Mexico, have suffered discrimination and economic deprivation for many years. In protest, an armed group of Maya called the Zapatistas rose in revolt against the Mexican government in 1994. After many deaths, a cease-fire was declared between the combatants. Fighting is still going on however, as pro-government, paramilitary group’s attack the Zapatistas and the local population. This film documents the struggles and heartbreak of the Maya in Chiapas.

Alonso is a Mayan lay priest. He and his family have been driven from their village, in the district of Chenalho, by death threats from the Paramilitaries. Alonso and many other Maya are forced to make a terrible choice. They must either join the Paramilitaries, or be branded as Zapatistas and face execution. Although Alonso agrees with most of the Zapatista’s goals, he is not one of them. He disapproves of their use of violence and their authoritarian demeanor. On the other hand, he fears and despises the Paramilitaries and is totally unwilling to support them. Many Maya feel as he does, and as a consequence they are victimized by pro-government forces and are frequently at odds with the rebels. Many others aside from Alonso have had to flee their villages and find homes elsewhere. Padre Miguel, a French priest who lived in the area for decades, describes how the Paramilitaries are supported by the Mexican military, in violation of the cease-fire. He points out that powerful economic interests, such as landowners and coffee growers, are in league with the government and the military. They’re determined to destroy not only the Zapatistas, but also all forms of Mayan resistance to the present order. Padre Miguel was deported back to France after making comments similar to these on Mexican television.

The Maya who like Alonso have been forced to flee, struggle to make a living in their new homes. He and the others dream of returning to their villages, and frequently pray for peace and the souls of their dead relatives. Those who have remained behind face both extortion and death at the hands of the Paramilitaries. Innocent civilians are frequently killed, as in the case of the massacre in the village of Acteal, where 45 people were murdered. The government and military deny they are fueling the conflict, and those ultimately responsible for all the terror and destruction remain unpunished.

This film is a gripping examination of a conflict about which little is known in the outside world. It allows the viewer to see into the lives of the Maya, to understand their culture and the many obstacles they face. The quality of the video, audio and editing is good, and the film is both informative and well paced. Conversations and interviews are not in English, and are translated by either voiceover or subtitles. There is no narration. It is suitable for high school, undergraduate or graduate students. Those studying Latino or Native American Studies, Political Science, the problems of developing countries, minority rights or current events in Mexico will be the most interested.

Highly Recommended