SFIFF 51: Almost Forgot
Forgot to mention that, continuing on a theme, I’m really looking forward to seeing Latent Argentina, a documentary the festival describes as such…
When most people think of Argentina, they think of the inflation,
poverty and helplessness that plagued the country in the wake of the
financial crises of recent years. Actually, argues [filmmaker] Fernando Solanas,
Argentina is one of the richest countries in the world. Argentines don’t know that they are the owners of this enormous innate wealth is the result of “mental colonialism.”
Now that sounds interesting. Especially following up on The Take, a fascinating documentary I caught a few months ago, about the "recovered factories movement" in Argentina where workers reclaim shuttered bankrupted factories and attempt to get them back into business under newer, more enlightened management principles.
Seeing the workers of an old factory reopen it, proud of their work and implementing policies like paid maternity and paternity leave is indescribably moving, like the school nerd becoming principal and outlawing bullying in the halls.
Highly recommend and not just for the angry liberal in your life. Latent Argentina will make a fine follow-up this coming week. The Take is available via netflix and at fine video stores near you.