Archives

When the Mountains Tremble

Director: Thomas Sigel, Pamela Yates

Screenwriters:

Institute History

When the Mountains Tremble is the story of a Guatemalan Indian woman as history transforms her life from a poor migratory peasant to a leading voice in shaping the destiny of her people.
From the limbo of exile, Rigoberta Menchu weaves together the exquisite fabric of recent Guatemalan history; the beauty and richness of the culture, the strength and courage of her people, and the tragedy of human greed and corruption.
The haunting storytelling quality of the piece makes it a hybrid existing somewhere between the worlds of fact and fiction. Utilizing many recreated scenes the films still manages to demonstrate its point, all through the eyes, ears and mouth of Rigoberta.
In point of fact, Rigoberta Menchu did flee Guatemala, as one of the only survivors of her family. Her story was so compelling that she has been asked to speak before the United Nations.

Preceded by: Nicaragua: Report From the Front

Awards
Special Jury Prize Documentary
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