Politics

On December 18, 2005, an indigenous person was elected president of Bolivia for the first time in history. Evo Morales Ayma was supported by 36 native groups, social movements, academic and intellectual circles and a massive popular backing which allowed him to obtain 53.7% of the votes. The coca growers from the Tropic of Cochabamba, better known as Chapare, played a leading role in this process.

Details the evolution of the town's struggle into a national, and eventually international movement. After a resounding victory, residents reflect on the meaning of their victory for themselves and for the world.

Brazil is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rain forests, and vibrant culture. However, in recent years, the country has developed more of a reputation for corrupt politicians, kidnapping, and plastic surgery. Manda Bala (Send a Bullet) artfully connects these seemingly disparate elements and conducts a dazzling, yet harrowing, examination of the tragic domino effect that has reshaped the face of the country and created an entire industry built on corruption.

Together on one DVD, LAFN presents the 1985 documentary by Estela Bravo, MISSING CHILDREN and her 2010 follow-up feature, WHO AM I? In WHO AM I?, the children of Argentina's disappeared are now young adults struggling with the discovery that the people who raised them were not actually their parents, but supporters of the military junta that killed their biological families. MISSING CHILDREN tells the story just as the search for their true identities begins. WHO AM I? brings us up-to-date with some of the children who have been found.

The Mexican government has unveiled an ambitious plan to build a huge, state-of-the-art new airport outside of Mexico City. Seen as a way to encourage international investment, the plan will also destroy enormous tracts of communal farmland in the areas where the airport and adjoining tourist facilities are to be built. At least five towns and tens of thousands of their inhabitants will be affected. In the case of the town of San Salvador Atenco, 95% of the community's land would be seized. Yet the people of Atenco have made it clear that they refuse to accept this indignity, and have taken to the streets in protest. This documentary chronicles the first six months of resistance, as Atenco residents organize marches, pen protest songs, and curse the 2000 elections that brought President Vicente Fox to power.