THE DEVIL'S DREAM
Price: $310.00 Code: 1738 |
Directed by Mary-Ellen Davis
1992, 58 minutes
Spanish dialogue with English
subtitles Purchase: $310 | Classroom Rental: $125
Portrays the appalling socio-political realities of contemporary Guatemala, where the majority of the population--malnourished and illiterate--are exploited by wealthy landowners and businessmen and brutally repressed by the military. The film shows the plight of peasants who work as migrant agricultural laborers for starvation wages and who are often `disappeared' or murdered by the military to prevent any political protest or organization. Interwoven throughout the film, and providing ironic comment on this social reality, is a performance of the traditional `Dance of the 24 Devils,' derived from Spanish medieval religious drama, in which each devil represents a social evil and Death heralds the end of mankind.
Award of Merit in Film Latin American Studies Association
"[Davis] is a moralist with a keen sense of humor...Hell has rarely been made so hilariously, or so tragically, visible."--The L.A. Weekly
1992, 58 minutes
Spanish dialogue with English
subtitles Purchase: $310 | Classroom Rental: $125
Portrays the appalling socio-political realities of contemporary Guatemala, where the majority of the population--malnourished and illiterate--are exploited by wealthy landowners and businessmen and brutally repressed by the military. The film shows the plight of peasants who work as migrant agricultural laborers for starvation wages and who are often `disappeared' or murdered by the military to prevent any political protest or organization. Interwoven throughout the film, and providing ironic comment on this social reality, is a performance of the traditional `Dance of the 24 Devils,' derived from Spanish medieval religious drama, in which each devil represents a social evil and Death heralds the end of mankind.
Subjects & Collections
Spanish Language Sociology Political Science Labor Studies Latin-American Studies Cultural Studies Directed by Women
Festivals & Awards
Silver Apple, National Educational Film and Video FestivalAward of Merit in Film Latin American Studies Association
Reviews
"An intensely moving film."--Third World Resources"[Davis] is a moralist with a keen sense of humor...Hell has rarely been made so hilariously, or so tragically, visible."--The L.A. Weekly