Skip to main content

Deep Dive: Zapatista (1999)

Play Trailer

Film Lens

Zapatista
In 'Zapatista', the documentary presents the Mayan peasant rebellion in Chiapas, Mexico, where indigenous farmers confront the Mexican government. Armed with sticks and their voices, these rebels face a force of 175,000 federal troops. The film captures their determination and the wider effects of their struggle, which seeks to transform political culture in Mexico and beyond. The documentary features powerful imagery and firsthand accounts, emphasizing the rights and recognition sought by the indigenous population. It serves as a pivotal narrative in understanding contemporary social movements, particularly the challenges posed by military might and political corruption in the 1990s.

Why Watch

  • •Meet the Zapatista rebels in Chiapas, Mexico.
  • •See firsthand accounts from indigenous farmers.
  • •Find out about political corruption in the 1990s.

Did You Know

•The film features 175,000 federal troops opposing the rebels.
•The documentary was directed by Benjamin Eichert in 1999.
•It has a runtime of 56 minutes.
•The production involved countries Mexico and the United States.

Perfect For

Indigenous rightsMexican historySocial movements