Dicing with Death, Ep. 04 - Guatemala: Land of the Maya
(Guatemala: En terre Maya)
Alexandre Spalaikovitch, Guillaume Lhotellier | Documentary, Series
2018 | 52 minutes | France
Faced with rising crime and the inadequacy of the under-equipped police force, being a bus driver in Guatemala is one of the country's most perilous professions.
Synopsis
Guatemala, a small country in Central America, ranks among the world's most violent nations. In 2018, it recorded nearly 4,000 murders, with a homicide rate 20 times higher per capita than France. The violence is primarily attributed to street gangs known as Maras, who control drug trafficking, prostitution, and racketeering, striking fear into the population. These gang members don't hesitate to use lethal force against rivals and even ordinary citizens who defy them.
After several weeks of negotiations, we gained an insider's perspective on these gangs, including individuals like Pedro, a leader of one of Guatemala's most powerful Maras. Pedro stopped counting his homicide victims after the eighteenth. We also met Oscar, a bus driver—one of the country's most perilous professions. Maras killed 250 drivers last year as a means to extort transport companies. Having survived eleven gunshot wounds, Oscar can't perform his daily job without constantly checking his mirrors, always vigilant for potential threats. Faced with rising crime and the inadequacy of the under-equipped police force, some residents have formed citizen's militias, patrolling the streets at night with guns, swords, or baseball bats. However, this is a risky endeavor, with five of them already losing their lives."
Series Description
Dicing with Death showcases individuals who brave extreme dangers and risk their lives to earn a living through vehicle driving. They navigate treacherous routes across the globe, crossing seemingly impossible terrain daily to reach their destinations. These courageous individuals put their lives on the line in the pursuit of survival.
Citation
Main credits
Spalaikovitch, Alexandre (film director)
Lhotellier, Guillaume (film director)
Verdier-Ferré, Valérie (film producer)
Polverel, Chantal (film producer)
Other credits
Cinematography, Jean Pierre Guillerez; editing, Patrice Lucchini.
Citation
Cataloging
Pragda subjects
Activism
Central America
Criminal Justice
Economics + Social Class Issues
Environment + Sustainability
Geography
Indigenous Peoples
Latin American Studies
Sociology
South America
Keywords
Clips
DIRECTOR: Alexandre Spalaikovitch, Guillaume Lhotellier
NATIONALITY: France
YEAR: 2018
GENRE: Documentary, Series
LANGUAGE: English; Spanish
COLOR / B&W: Color
GRADE LEVEL: 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
Between the Americas, Ep. 3: The Silence of Guatemala
Dicing with Death, Ep. 01 - Brazil: Stronger Together
Brazil: Stronger Together
Dicing with Death, Ep. 07 - Brazil: Dust and Fire
Brésil: De poussière et de feu
Dicing with Death, Ep. 06 - Paraguay: The Unconquerable of the Chaco
Paraguay: Les invincibles du Chaco
Dicing with Death, Ep. 05 - Cuba: Viva la Vida
Cuba: Viva la vida
Dicing with Death, Ep. 02 - Peru: Vertigo in the Andes
Peru: Vertigo in the Andes
Dicing with Death, Ep. 08 - Bolivia: The Yungas in The Clouds
Bolivie: Les yungas au-dela des naugest
Dicing with Death, Ep. 03 - Nicaragua: In the Name of the Law
Nicaragua: Au nom de la loi
Related Collections
Criminal Justice
A riveting selection of films that provoke conversations on topics such as wrongful convictions, systemic issues, life in prison, and the human stories behind crime and punishment.
Number of titles: 128
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 >Labor Lens: Work and Society
A cinematic exploration of the complexities, struggles, and triumphs of the working world, showcasing the diverse narratives and experiences that shape our understanding of labor and its context.
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 >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 >