imagining argentina: venice premiere
Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) today voiced its support for "Imagining Argentina," stressing the importance of the film's message in bringing to light the horrific human rights violations endured by the Argentine people and the positive role the film can play in honoring the memory of the victims and their families.
The film, which stars Antonio Banderas, Emma Thompson, Ruben Blades and Kuno Becker, is an adaptation of the bestselling book by Lawrence Thornton that is set during Argentina's "dirty war" of the 1970's. During that time, an estimated 30,000 Argentines, mostly political activists, lawyers, professors and journalists, were indiscriminately snatched from streets, homes, universities and businesses and later tortured and murdered.
The film provoked controversy after it was shown recently at the Venice Film Festival. Some members of the press (Univision) were offended by the use of magical realism combined with harrowing scenes of torture; the film, however, was very well-received during the public screening at the festival with a standing ovation.
Bonnie Abaunza, director of AIUSA's Artists for Amnesty, stated "I wish to voice unwavering support for 'Imagining Argentina.' This film is a powerful depiction of the unspeakable atrocities that the Argentine people endured at the hands of their brutal government during the 'dirty war' of the 1970's. 'Imagining Argentina' is a film that honestly, disturbingly, and poignantly affirms the message that torture must end. The fact that magical realism is interspersed throughout the film as a means of artistic expression should not diminish its ultimate message of hope and love in the face of such brutality. Amnesty International believes that art can be a powerful and compelling vehicle for human rights education. Films like 'Imagining Argentina' reaffirm this belief."
Film star Antonio Banderas said in a statement "As actors and public figures we have not only the right but the duty to stand up for what we believe in. Not so much for the artistic approach to the cause we represent, but for the knowledge of the cause itself among masses around the world. People in Argentina are concerned about art. But what they are really worried about is justice."
Banderas' co-star Emma Thompson said in a statement to the press in Venice "There are still things we should talk about. I know so many people who have actually been through this, some of our crew lived through it." Thompson added that she had promised the mothers of the disappeared, who still march in Argentina to this day every Thursday, that their stories would be told. "They don't want revenge, they want justice, they want people to know," she said.
Author Thornton also came to the film's defense. In his statement to the press, Thornton said "This is a deadly serious film and the quality of the work that Christopher (Hampton, the film's director) and Emma (Thompson) and Antonio Banderas have done is extraordinary. I would challenge any critic to contradict that."
Amnesty International has plans to act on its support for "Imagining Argentina" by hosting special screenings around the world for human rights activists, including fellow Nobel Peace Laureates, government officials, celebrities and journalists who are committed to human rights issues.
