I Am the People delivers a potent message: unless free societies protect democratic freedoms, the lure of populist movements can lead to totalitarian regimes like Venezuela. Directors Enrique Krauze and Carlos Oteyza present a compelling account of how a Latin American country—once rich in resources and having a democratic form of government—is now a poor country under the stranglehold of a dictator.
Populism, as defined by Krauze, “is a way of governing that can emerge in any democratic society that goes through a crisis." In this film, it is also defined by the emergence of a charismatic leader who is able to win the absolute support of a large portion of the populace.
Using archival video, newspaper clips, and photographs, I Am The People chronicles the rise of populism and its leader Hugo Chavez, followed by Nicolas Maduro. Narration by scholars in economics, history, journalism, political analysis, biography, and social and political science, explain how and why the populist movement was so successful to the detriment of Venezuela.
In Venezuela, the populist movement begins as oil prices fall in the 1980s with dreadful economic consequences. With inequality and lack of a voice in politics, many people begin to seek a leader—“a savior." As narrators point out, the populist uprising is ready for a charismatic leader such as Hugo Chavez. A lieutenant colonel in the Army, Hugo Chavez first attempts a coup using soldiers he commands.
After that fails, Chavez pursues a political path. Over several years, he travels the country telling the people, “I have a project." With a charismatic personality, he wins over the hearts of the populace who see Chavez as one of them. In one event, Chavez electrifies a crowd and people are enthusiastic as they feel Chavez cares and loves them. Film clips show how Chavez wins over the people with his captivating speeches and his personal demonstrations of affection and concern.
In 1999, Chavez wins the presidential election. With his military background, he is comfortable around soldiers and begins to replace government officials with military staff. Slowly, Chavez takes over the oil industry and other businesses as well; he uses the money to fund his “social programs." Many projects are started but never finished: railways, subways, terminals. Chavez purges the military of people who disagree with him. The military begin to control everyday activities in the subways, hospitals, grocery stores, and more.
Lastly, all institutions, including the mass media, come under Chavez’ authority. Slowly, populism changes to dictatorship and finally to tyranny. When Chavez becomes ill in 2012, he asks the country to vote for his right-hand man, Nicolas Maduro. Lacking Chavez’s charisma, Maduro rules by force; three million citizens leave Venezuela as the country sinks into poverty.
As a clear reminder that democracy must be inclusive and protected to survive, this film is highly recommended for academic libraries with political science majors.
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