Introduction
In the mid-70s of the 20th century, various Latin American countries faced with revolutions and coups. The film dedicated to the Las Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo movement reveals the features of events in Argentina called the Dirty War. The film focuses on politics and society, namely the influence of an authoritarian government. In the mid-70s, a political coup took place in Argentina and Jorge Videla, an army general, became de facto president, which led to significant changes (Tuggle). Although the population hoped that the military would be able to cope with the country’s problems and return to a democratic regime, many of their actions, on the contrary, became destructive.
Discussion
Military government committed representatives many violent acts, such as mass arrests, abductions, and torture, to destroy guerillas and fight left-wing parties. The film focuses on the children kidnapped after their parents’ death in detention centers. Families associated with the military adopted children and destroyed connections, which could bring them together with their remaining biological relatives. Following various opinions, authoritarian leaders wanted to sow fear among the population and strengthen their power or demonstrate that they could teach kidnapped children their values (Tuggle). The grandmothers of these children organized their movement, intending to return the children to their families.
Conclusion
Telling the story of Las Abuelas, the film demonstrates the features of the existing resistance. It was quiet, as citizens were afraid to talk about such movements, while the ruling elite committed crimes and killed those suspected of partisanship. The film emphasizes that it took society almost four decades to recover from the Dirty War. Given that not all children are found, and those found may experience identity problems, Argentina’s population still has plenty of questions to address. Therefore, one can assume that all countries in Latin America need to solve many problems.
Work Cited
Las Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo and the Search for Identity: Children of Argentina’s “Disappeared.” Directed by C. A. Tuggle. Illumination Films, 2012.