Challenging Chavez
In a country divided between those who see Chavez as a hero and those who see him as a dictator one man is speaking out.
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Activist: Villca Fernandez, Movement 13
Filmmaker: Luis Del Valle
Hugo Chavez is a hero to many of his typically middle and working class supporters. But now some are beginning to question the Venezuelan president who they believe is increasingly acting like a dictator by restricting their freedoms and attacking an independent judiciary.
This film follows the charismatic leader of a student movement, Movement 13, that is trying to challenge Chavez. Villca Fernandez takes his group on a cross country journey to Caracas, the capital, to celebrate Venezuela’s Independence Day in their own way.
| “I grew up in a country where democracy existed and liberties were respected. Like any democracy in the world, the one I knew had its good points and its faults.
This is a country that has everything to be one of the richest in the region, but today it is one of the poorest. It has high levels of insecurity and a polarised society [that is] full of hatred. This has been promoted by Chavez, a man who is taking us to a fascist system similar to Cuba, where someone that thinks differently is prosecuted.” Villca Fernandez, activist |
Their plan: To get media attention. But on the eve of their protests it is announced that Chavez has cancer. The struggle for attention gets harder and a fellow student is arrested. Can they remain determined and united?
Activate tells the stories of activists around the world as they challenge authority, take direct action and stand up for what they believe in. Click here to return to the Activate map. |
