Critical Moviegoers

To: Dominique Andreu Cooper
From: Joaquín Eguren Álvarez
Date: 16 November 2010
Subject: Chilean movies that should be exhibited by “Cine Móvil INJUV” (Mobile Film INJUV).


Introduction

This report is written to analyse and illustrate what Chilean Movies could be exhibited by your national program “Cine Móvil INJUV”. The program is focused on bringing Chilean films to children, who do not have enough money to pay for their tickets. It is completely free and it goes over the country. I have called “Chile Films” to check the availability of the movies, and when they can hand them to your team in case you agree with my selection.

Chilean movies to exhibit

You might think that in Chile, few movies have been produced or are rich in good content. First of all, I would like to mention that the Chilean film industry starts in 1924-1925 with “Un grito en el mar”, and with “El Husar de la Muerte”, both directed by Pedro Sienna. Since then, many movies, directors and actors have been appearing in local Cinemas. However, I have made a selection of what movies are appropriate for children. In addition, the choosing has been made based on two points; first, the message that the movie can convey, and second its relation with the history of our country. In my opinion, these are the movies that should be displayed by your program:

1. City of Photographers: is a documentary by Sebastián Moreno, which shows us the power of photography. It is located during Pinochet’s dictatorship, and is the result of the union of many photographers, who did not want to be mere spectators of the Chilean military repression, so they decided that taking pictures was a way to be free, it was a way to show the world what was going on in Chile. Soldiers had their weapons, photographers had their cameras. This movie can be used as an example for children to illustrate that we do not have to be indifferent to the problems of our country, no matter what they do; they will always be able to fight against oppression and inequality. Moreover, it tells you about the history of our country, especially about one period which is barely discussed within schools and families.

2. XS-La peor talla (The worst joke or the worst size): written by Gonzalo Maza y Luis Ponce, it tells the story of a normal school. Victor Camus is a typical guy whose best friend is Jalil. “El máquina” is the bully, and Pamela, the girl that everyone wants to date. They live their lives independently, but then, tension starts to increase and so do problems, based on a little commentary about “El máquina”. This movie deals with the so-called “bullying”. It could be used to exemplify how a little commentary can take people into deep states of desperation and sadness.


Conclusion

I would not hesitate to recommend both movies to your program. I would like to add, that extra handouts could be used after watching the movie, in order to create a comfortable atmosphere for children to reflect. Finally, there is no doubt that these two movies can be easily understood by children, they can also convey historical facts of our country and at the same time teach children how important it is to respect each other.