A small change sparked sweeping social disobedience in 2019. Chile’s youth rose up in protest when subway charges rose. Others followed quickly, flooding the streets. This conflict had been near the boiling point for some time. One and a half million people took to the streets in Santiago, protesting the still-unreformed Pinochet-era constitution and the social ills it was responsible for.
Master documentarian Patricio Guzmán captured the Estallido Social as it became known from its earliest days through the COVID-19 pandemic. Guzmán himself cut his directorial teeth during the socialist revolution in the 1970s, and he notes a number of similarities between the two struggles. Footage of protests and interviews with front-line protesters, artists, politicians, and experts document the Estallido Social as it unfolded.
My Imaginary Country is beautifully shot. Patricio Guzmán utilizes a classic, stoic style where a mostly stationary camera captures events as they unfold. We are shown protests of all kinds. Chileans of all ages flock to the streets in protective gear to throw broken street pavers at the military and police sent to suppress them. We see the masses of protesters face the military might of riot police and their many ‘less-than-lethal’ weapons.
While the information and documentation in My Imaginary Country are compelling, the pacing and style of the documentary can be somewhat plodding at times. There are several points repeated word for word by different subjects that some may find powerful but others will find purely repetitious. Those unfamiliar with the Estallido Social will need supplementary material to help them understand the breadth and depth of social struggle in Chile.
That being said, this documentary makes a strong case for the social change needed in Chile, and how years after his disposition Pinochet’s will still shapes the country’s policy. Those interested in social issues, protests, and mass movements will want to see this documentary. Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
My Imaginary Country belongs on political documentary shelves.
What college instructors would use this title?
Those teaching Southern American history, international politics, and documentary filmmaking will be most interested in this title.
What is the retail price and/or Public Performance License fee?
DVD with Public Performance License fee: $348