Pamela Yates has done the world a huge service by documenting the genocide of the Mayan indigenous population in Guatemala in the 1980's. Her film made in 1982 WHEN THE MOUNTAINS TREMBLE has provided the footage necessary to bring the top military and senior police officials to justice. Just now people are being arrested for the genocide. Her documentation of the indigenous people, their lives, their villages, their grief and pain at the loss of loved ones provides an invaluable entry into a world so far from our own. While I thought there were some editing difficulties the power of the people in this film is sufficient to make this a very good documentary. I went with Liz who enjoyed it equally and we both came away feeling Pamela Yates is an extraordinary woman. I'm still stuck on Chale's intro where he states she left Appalachia at 16 and came to NYC. Talk about a journey requiring courage!
Speaking of Chale. It's his birthday. And how did he spend it? Bringing wonderful films to "good people." His words. Happy BD Chale!
Sounds like it is terrific; I'll see if I can get it on tape.Sometimes this works.
ReplyDeleteChale really loves film. This is clear.
Pam