Land, Rain and Fire: Report on Oaxaca.

Rafael Ocasio, Agnes Scott Coll., Decatur, GA -- Críticas, 9/15/2007

In this documentary, Tami Gold, a well-known documentary filmmaker, and Gerardo Renique, professor of history at City College of the City University of New York, offer an in-depth exploration of the current volatile political situation in the city and state of Oaxaca. Although the colonial city of Oaxaca was once a booming city often visited by numerous tourists, the state of Oaxaca is the poorest in Mexico. One hour away from the city, poverty is extreme, and “children are malnourished while government officers get rich.” Some economic observers charge that NAFTA agreements are responsible for the most recent economic decline among the working class, particularly of indigenous peasants. Teachers seeking radical changes, particularly plans opposed to the privatization of the educational system, called for a teachers’ strike in June 2006; the police soon intervened. Subsequently, civil and political organizations united in efforts to force the withdrawal from power of Governor Ulises Ruiz Ortiz. Accused of allowing police intervention in the teachers’ strike, Ruiz Ortiz had also been held responsible for other violations throughout the state, including fraud and corruption. The documentary follows a series of demonstrations involving activists, workers, and peasants who speak openly against the governor. The most radical solution calls for the return of an indigenous system of government known as “habits and customs,” or communal governance without election by political parties. In spite of the growing number of protests and workers’ strikes, Ruiz Ortiz has still not stepped down from power. This documentary is highly recommended for collections on contemporary Mexican politics. [For more information or to order, go to Third World Newsreel. ]