Between the Americas, Ep. 3: The Silence of Guatemala
Stef Biemans | Documentary
2023 | 43 minutes | The Netherlands
The Maya people's 40-year silence on the Guatemalan genocide under General Ríos Montt. Will there be a moment to finally break this silence?
Synopsis
If we listen attentively to the stories of the Maya people, we will encounter a silence that has endured for 40 years. This silence surrounds the genocide that occurred under the rule of General Efraín Ríos Montt.
Termed 'The Silence of Guatemala,' it reflects the lack of recognition for the mass slaughter of indigenous people. Is the time now ripe to break this silence?
Series Description
For a long time, Central America seemed to be on the rise, but opposing forces have hindered any positive developments. There have emerged two Americas, and in between these two visions, journalist Stef Biemans listens to the stories of Central America. Biemans has lived and worked in the region for more than 15 years and brights to light the delicate situation of many Central Americans in a calleidoscope of sounds and stories.
Reviews
“What we hear and see in Between the Americas is beautiful poetry and deeply disturbing.” — NRC Handelsblad
“This series feels just as colorful and double-edged as a fairy tale. In between the ominous stories,
you can find hope and humanity, just like in a real fary tale.” — Trouw
“A documentary maker wants to portray an unkown area with the sounds of a small recording device.
If I would be in charge of a network I would tell him to get lost. But if the documentary maker is Stef Biemans and the area is Central America, I hope I will have the wisdom to say yes.” — Groene Amsterdammer
Citation
Main credits
Biemans, Stef (film director)
Biemans, Stef (narrator)
Frints, Nicole (film producer)
Other credits
Cinematography, Remco Bikkers; editing, Joël Hielckert & Stef Biemans.
Citation
Cataloging
Pragda subjects
Central America
Culture + Identity
Economics + Social Class Issues
Environment + Sustainability
Fascism + Repression
Geography
Human Rights
Indigenous Peoples
Latin American Studies
Sociology
Keywords
Clips
DIRECTOR: Stef Biemans
NATIONALITY: The Netherlands
YEAR: 2023
GENRE: Documentary
LANGUAGE: Dutch; Spanish; Other languages
COLOR / B&W: Color
GRADE LEVEL: Middle School, High School, College, Adult
SUBTITLE/CC: AVAILABLE
AUDIO DESCRIPTION: NOT AVAILABLE
Existing customers, please log in to view this film.
New to Pragda? Register to request a quote.
Related Films
Crossing the Andes, Ep. 04 - Eternal Life
Vida eterna
Marimbas From Hell
Las marimbas del infierno
Between the Americas, Ep. 1: Listening to San Blas
Crossing the Andes, Ep. 02 - The Skyscraper of Santiago
El rascacielos de Santiago
Between the Americas, Ep. 2: Panama’s Echo
Crossing the Andes, Ep. 01 - The Man-Eating Mountain
La montaña come-hombres
Crossing the Andes, Ep. 03 - Technological Paradise
Paraíso tecnológico
Crossing the Andes, Ep. 05 - My Mother-in-Law Stayed at Home
Mi suegra se queda en sasa
Giants Don't Exist
Los gigantes no existen
Fearless
Sin miedo
Crossing the Andes, Ep. 06 - The Mother of Colombia
La madre de Colombia
Dicing with Death, Ep. 04 - Guatemala: Land of the Maya
Guatemala: En terre Maya
Related Collections
Middle School Collection
Given varying criteria for content ratings and age restrictions in different regions, Pragda STREAM recommends faculty watch films in their entirety before assigning them to students.
Number of titles: 220
SEE COLLECTION >Spanish Language Films
A cinematic highlight of the magic and diversity of the Spanish language.
Number of titles: 440
SEE COLLECTION >Environment and Sustainability
A carefully curated collection of films that explore pressing environmental issues and inspire change.
Number of titles: 79
SEE COLLECTION >High School Collection
Given varying criteria for content ratings and age restrictions in different regions, Pragda STREAM recommends faculty watch films in their entirety before assigning them to students.
Number of titles: 509
SEE COLLECTION >Indigenous Peoples
A valuable insight into the cultural and historical heritage of different indigenous communities.
Number of titles: 52
SEE COLLECTION >Repression and Resistance
An exploration of Spain and Latin America’s authoritarian regimes and the movements that fought against them.
Number of titles: 91
SEE COLLECTION >The Pragda Complete Film Collection
The essence of Spain and Latin America captured in their original language with English captions or subtitles.
Number of titles: 637
SEE COLLECTION >Documentary Chronicles
A truthful examination and captivating glimpse into the complexities of the region.
Number of titles: 385
SEE COLLECTION >