NIÑOS DE ZAPATA

24 minutes

Country: Mexico

Year: 1995

Language: English

Overview:

This film looks at the Zapatista National Liberation Army's struggle to attain justice for the Maya Indians of Chiapas. These last remaining descendants of the proud ancient Mayas have been ruthlessly marginalized by the Mexican government. Their land is the least arable, they live in grinding poverty, and they are jailed and tortured for asserting their rights.

Previewing Activities

• What do you know about Zapata and his revolution?
• How poorly were the Mayans treated during his time period?
• How are Mayans treated now, is it any better?

Post-viewing Activities

• Who was “Marcos” and what was his opinion on the treatment of the Mayans
• Where is Chiapas and what problems exist there?
• Why do you think that the Mayans get so little respect?
• What happened on New Year’s Day in 1994?

Class Projects

• Write an essay on the revolt that happened in January 1994 and how it affected the public opinion of Mayans.

How to Borrow this Video:

The videos owned by the UNC-Duke Consortium in Latin American and Caribbean Studies are housed in the Outreach Office of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  They are lent free of charge.  For information on films and reservations, please visit http://isa.unc.edu/film/films_main.asp.

Suggested Readings:

· Clarke, Ben. Voice of Fire: Communiques and Interviews from the Zapatista National Liberation Army. Freedom Voices, 2000.