Guatemala: When the People Lead

"People united will never be defeated" is the determinedly hopeful cry raised by Guatemalans returning to their homeland after years of exile in Mexico. Opening with the tragic litany of statistics which accompany human rights atrocities (100,000 murdered, 40,000 "disappeared"), Guatemala: When the People Lead focuses on a group of 2,500 Guatemalan refugees who, together with Canadians from Project Accompaniment, went home in January, 1993. Interviews with the exiles, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchu, are intercut with footage of the enthusiastic reception the refugees received on their return. Although the program touches on the nature of the conflict between the oppressive military regime and the guerrillas--and the unfortunate farmers caught in the middle--this is more of a news report than an in-depth look at Guatemala's problems. Return of the Maya and The Long Road Home (reviewed in our May-June 1993 issue) are more probing films about the Guatemalan refugee situation. Still, Guatemala: When the People Lead is a good inspirational title, and those with significant world politics holdings will want to consider. Recommended, with reservations. (R. Pitman)