Film Lens
Code Name: Butterflies focuses on the Mirabal sisters—Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa—who formed a resistance movement against Rafael Trujillo's dictatorship in the Dominican Republic during the 1950s. The film recounts their activism and the tragic events leading to their assassination on November 25, 1960, which turned them into national heroines and symbols of feminist resistance. The documentary features interviews with over forty witnesses, including family, friends, and co-revolutionaries, providing a rich context to their story.
The film employs dramatic reenactments and archival footage to illustrate the sisters' lives and the impact of their resistance. It also includes insights from their surviving sister, Dedé, offering a personal perspective on the legacy of the Mirabal sisters. Through these narratives, the documentary presents a multifaceted view of the sisters' contributions to the fight against oppression and their enduring influence on feminist movements.
Why Watch
- •Meet the Mirabal sisters, icons of feminist resistance.
- •See archival footage from the Dominican Republic's past.
- •Find out about the impact of Trujillo's dictatorship.
Did You Know
•The Mirabal sisters were assassinated on November 25, 1960.
•The sisters were known by their codename 'The Butterflies'.
•Over forty witnesses were interviewed for the documentary.
Perfect For
Feminist historyLatin American politicsHuman rights activism