Under Siege

(Bajo fuego)
Sjoerd van Grootheest, Irene Vélez Torres | Documentary

2020 | 86 minutes | Colombia

Under Siege reveals the devastating consequences of government policies instructing cocaleros to destroy their coca crops as part of the "war on drugs."

Synopsis

A powerful documentary capturing the unraveling of peace for coca-growing peasants, known as cocaleros, in southwest Colombia. Set against the backdrop of the 2016 peace agreement, the film provides an intimate, harrowing look at their lives over three years as they navigate broken promises, economic hardship, and escalating violence.

Through the lens of the cocaleros, Under Siege reveals the devastating consequences of government policies instructing them to destroy their coca crops as part of the ""war on drugs."" Families who transitioned to alternative crops face severe economic difficulties, while armed groups seize control of their region, perpetuating cycles of terror and instability.

The film combines raw personal stories with broader political commentary, shedding light on how systemic failures have left many Colombians trapped in a state of ongoing conflict. It is a poignant reminder that for many in Colombia's southwest, the war continues despite promises of reconciliation.

Reviews

“Filmed over three years between 2017 and 2019, "Bajo Fuego" is an engaging, enraging portrait of a community’s struggle against state abandonment, economic collapse, and a rising tide of violence.” – Will Huddleston, Latin American Bureau

Citation

Coming soon.

Cataloging

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Keywords
Under Siege,Bajo fuego,Colombia,documentary,Sjoerd van Grootheest,Irene Vélez-Torres,cocaleros,Paz Alto Cauca,peace,armed conflict,human rights,public rights,equal rights,freedom of expression,basic human rights,united nations,activism,human rights activism,human rights council,human rights commission,universal human rights,universal rights,indigenous peoples,indigenous people,indigenous,native,native people,native peoples,aboriginal people,aboriginal,aborigine,indigene,indigeneity,tribes,tribal,tribal people,tribal peoples,agriculture,farming,farmer,farm,market,food,agribusiness,agronomy,agri business,land,food systems,farm to table,farm systems,farm policy,agronomy,horticulture,agronomics,cultivation,food security,food systems,food insecurity,hunger,activism,activist,digital activism,advocacy,advocate,involvement,militancy,militant,logrolling,striking,boycotting,championing,champion,effecting change,engagement,supporter,protest,protester,demonstrator,organizing,labor organizing,revolution,revolutionary,community organizing,effecting change,striking,labor strike,labor organizing,latin american studies,caribbean american studies,island studies,latin american culture,latin american history,latin american politics,caribbean american culture,caribbean american history,caribbean american politics,latin american languages,latin american and caribbean studies,hispanic american studies,hispanic people,hispanic culture,hispanic politics,south america,south american countries,countries in south america,argentina,bolivia,brazil,chile,colombia,ecuador,guyana,paraguay,peru,suriname,uruguay,venezuela,south american politics,south american culture,south american cuisine,south american education,south america in media,south american languages,south america history; "Under Siege"; Pragda Films; "Bajo fuego";
Clips
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Festivals

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival; Human Rights Watch Film Festival; SANFICI Santander International Film Festival; Cali International Film Festival

DIRECTOR: Sjoerd van Grootheest, Irene Vélez Torres

NATIONALITY: Colombia

YEAR: 2020

GENRE: Documentary

LANGUAGE: Spanish

COLOR / B&W: Color

GRADE LEVEL: Middle School, High School, College, Adult

SUBTITLE/CC: AVAILABLE

AUDIO DESCRIPTION: NOT AVAILABLE

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