AIM-WEST to Screen "Guatemala Lives" Friday at Brava Theater

Native News Network Staff in Entertainment. Discussion »

SAN FRANCISCO – AIM-WEST will screen "Guatemala Lives" on Friday, June 1, at 6:30 pm at the Brava Theater in San Francisco's Mission District.

The daily struggles of indigenous peoples to attain justice and self-determination

AIM-WEST and De La Tierra Productions sent a team to document the 2011 presidential elections that included Nobel prize winner Dr. Rigoberta Menchù Tum as the candidate of a coalition that included her own newly founded indigenous movement WINAK and two other progressive political organizations (Frente Amplio).

Although the Frente Amplio only won three percent of the votes in the first round, despite the fact the indigenous population consists of more than fifty percent, it is clear that like Bolivia, Guatemala will have in the future an indigenous president.

"Guatemala Lives," is a fifty minute poignant and up to date account of the daily struggles of indigenous peoples to attain justice, self-determination and presence in Guatemalan politics.

The film contains interviews with Mayan political and religious leaders, candidates, as well as a multitude of everyday citizens expressing opinions about politics and the role that indigenous people are playing in the building of democracy.

The films chronicles the actions of several current social movements that are demanding answers to an unending list of demands for justice, an end to economic disparity and their right to be dully represented in local and national governments. As a response to old practices and a continuous grip on power by the oligarchy since the invasion in 1521 by the Spaniards, there is now a rise of newly formed popular organizations throughout the country that strive to have their voice heard and gain presence in local governments.

Another documentary film that examines Guatemalan politics, "Granito: How to Nail a Dictator" will be shown after the screen of "Guatemala Lives."

The price of admission is $10. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

WHAT:
Screenings of "Guatemala Lives" and "Granito: How to Nail a Dictator"

WHEN:
Friday, June 1
6:30 pm pdt

WHERE:
Brava Theater
2781 24th Street
San Francisco, California 94110

updated 11:15 am edt; posted May 31, 2012 7:20 am edt