THE STORY
Maya community in resistance
In 1993, thousands of Guatemalan refugees returned from Mexico. They had fled the silent genocide of the Mayan people. After their return, the Retornados, the 'Returnees', demanded a piece of land from the government to rebuild their communities. One of these communities is Copal AA La Esperanza.
Today, 'The Copaleros' are defending their community against the construction of a dam, and against a new wave of repression. Will history repeat itself?
Los Retornados (34min -2021) is a film by historian Tessa Boeykens and filmmaker Pieter De Vos.
A production of Docwerkers, realised with the support of FWO - Flanders, VLIR-UOS and Belgian Development Cooperation.
Watch the trailer in English here.
APPROACH
Decolonisation & Science
The film was made in close cooperation with the community of Copal AA La Esperanza. The film plan was prepared in consultation with the indigenous administration of the territory, and submitted to the entire community for a vote.
A second strength of this project is the collaboration between a filmmaker and an academic. The doctoral project of Tessa Boeykens, researcher at the Department of History of UGent, forms the substantive basis of the documentary.
APPROACH
Digital mass event
The film was catapulted into the world via a livestream, from the most beautiful cinema in the country: De Roma. We produced a fully-fledged TV programme, with intervening interviews from Guatemala, an after-party with experts and, of course, the film itself.
In partnership with dozens of midfield organisations and research institutions, the premiere became a mass event with over 800 participants.
This way, the story of the Retornados gained the necessary resonance, despite the corona restrictions in place at the time.
RESULT
Festival darling
The end result is a film with, by and for the community. It captures the history as experienced by the residents of Copal AA La Esperanza and draws attention to current issues through online channels.
'Los Retornados' also has a second life in the international film festival circuit. The story of the Copaleros inspires film lovers and activists all over the world, from Lebanon to Canada and Argentina.
