The latest entry in Cinema Libre Studio's Speaking Freely series features controversial Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, who has emerged as the U.S. government's bête noire in the Western hemisphere (a role previously held by Fidel Castro). Hugo Chávez on: The Path to Socialism essentially consists of excerpts from a long press conference that Chávez gave following his triumphant re-election in 2006 (with some 63% of the vote), only months after referring to President Bush at the United Nations as “the devil.” Of course, this was hardly a conventional news conference: Chávez simply expounds on historical perspectives and presents his political views at length while seated on a stage before an audience, without taking any questions from the media. Chávez's criticism of capitalism (in general) and American policy (in particular) will undoubtedly infuriate many viewers, but it's useful to have his version of Bolivarianism—i.e., the adaptation of the ideals of Simón Bolívar (which supporters now often refer to as Chávismo)—articulated in so direct a form, without being first filtered through the prism of U.S. government criticism or journalistic reinterpretation. Whether you agree with him or not, Chávez is not only a dominant figure in an oil-rich country, but also a politician whose influence extends throughout Latin America. Offering a welcome opportunity for viewers to judge Chávez for themselves, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Speaking Freely, Volume 5—Hugo Chávez on: The Path to Socialism
(2008) 52 min. In Spanish w/English subtitles. DVD: $19.95. Cinema Libre Studio (avail. from most distributors). ISBN: 1-59587-074-1. Volume 23, Issue 4
Speaking Freely, Volume 5—Hugo Chávez on: The Path to Socialism
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: