Appropriate for: Elementary School Middle School High School College/University
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During the 1980’s, the CIA backed the Guatemalan government’s efforts to destroy the resistance movement that was growing among the indigenous Maya peoples. Human rights organizations around the world condemned the army’s “scorch and burn” policy, whereby the government backed militia razed over indigenous 200 villages along the Mexican / Guatemalan border in their attempts to crush the guerillas. Thousands of Maya fled across the border into Mexico seeking refuge and to save their lives.
This is the story of Ricardo who fled his village in Guatemala to seek refuge with his family in a refugee camp in Mexico. After spending years in the camp, he and his family crossed into the United States illegally seeking to join other family members in Kansas. With the help of the “sanctuary movement”, members of a church and synagogue helped the family settle in Chicago where they could tell their story and help to make changes in Guatemala. This film was used as a tool towards that effort.
Highly recommended for school and academic libraries.
Steven R. Harris
SRRT Newsletter, American Library Association
This invaluable documentary sheds much needed light on the plight of a people.
Brad Carty
Wilson Library Bulletin
Traditional music, children's drawings and honest cinematography contribute to the high quality of the documentary. Highly recommended for Latin American Studies programs.
Lisa K. Miller
Library Journal
Outstanding overview for introducing students to a refugee situation and its causes.
Jennifer Morales
Rethinking Schools
full review
AWARDS & SCREENINGS:
- Bronze Apple, National Educational Film and Video Festival
- Certificate of Appreciation, Earth Peace International Film Festival
- Chicago Latino Cinema Film Festival
- San Francisco CINE Latino Film Festival
- Honorable Mention, Columbus International Film Festival
