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Deep Dive: The Panama Deception (1992)

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The Panama Deception
The Panama Deception is a documentary that critiques the 1989 United States invasion of Panama. Directed by Barbara Trent, the film presents a narrative that questions the official reasons for the invasion, particularly the claim that it was aimed at removing Manuel Noriega from power. Instead, the film argues that the true motive was to prevent the retrocession of the Panama Canal Zone to Panama, as outlined in the Torrijos–Carter Treaties. The documentary recounts the events leading up to the invasion, the resulting civilian casualties, and the destruction inflicted on Panama. The film also addresses media bias in the United States, illustrating how certain events were underreported or misreported, particularly the number of civilian deaths. It includes footage of mass graves and destroyed neighborhoods, as well as allegations of the use of experimental weapons. The documentary concludes with the assertion that the invasion aimed to dismantle the Panama Defense Forces and install a government favorable to U.S. interests, culminating in Panama gaining full control over the Canal Zone by December 31, 1999.

Why Watch

  • •See footage of mass graves uncovered post-invasion.
  • •Find out about the media bias surrounding the invasion.
  • •Meet the filmmakers who challenged U.S. narratives.

Did You Know

•The film won the 1992 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
•The documentary was completed on a budget of $300,000.
•The U.S. government invaded Panama to destroy the Panama Defense Forces.
•The film was banned in Panama and by PBS in the United States.

Perfect For

U.S. foreign policyMedia criticismPanama history