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Deep Dive: Under the Flags, the Sun (2026)

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Under the Flags, the Sun
Under the Flags, the Sun is a documentary that examines the impact of visual media in Paraguay, particularly in the context of the dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner, which lasted from 1954 to 1989. The film presents a collection of recovered footage and documents that reveal how media was manipulated to promote propaganda and maintain authoritarian control during Stroessner's regime. It shows the effects of this manipulation on contemporary Paraguay, a nation still grappling with the legacy of its past. The film had its world premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on February 17, 2025, where it won the FIPRESCI jury prize. It was also selected as Paraguay's entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, although it did not receive a nomination. The documentary's production involved international funding and collaboration with various film institutions, showcasing the extensive effort behind its creation.

Why Watch

  • •See how media shaped Paraguay under Stroessner's regime.
  • •Find out about the abandoned government media archives.
  • •Meet the filmmakers behind this impactful documentary.

Did You Know

•The dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner lasted 35 years, ending in 1989.
•The film won the FIPRESCI jury prize at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 17, 2025.
•It received a third-place award at the Pitch Forum of Hot Docs in 2024.
•Icarus Films acquired the North American distribution rights in August 2025.

Perfect For

Paraguayan historyMedia manipulationAuthoritarian regimes