Land Belongs to those Who Work It

2005

by The Chiapas Media Project

Land ownership is considered in this documentary about workers in rural Chiapas, Mexico. Testimonials and documentary footage dramatize a land conflict between indigenous workers and the state government of Chiapas. A meeting between Zapatista authorities and Mexican government functionaries offers a critical look at the practical implications of so-called ecotourism. Masked in affiliation with the revolutionary EZLN organization, the workers stand-up to government agents who visit their community. Using techniques of agitprop, the video illustrates EZLN positions.

Biography: The Chiapas Media Project/Promedios is an award wining, bi-national partnership that provides video equipment, computers and training enabling marginalized indigenous communities in Southern Mexico to create their own media. Since 1998, its instructors have worked in close collaboration with autonomous Zapatista communities. Indigenous youth with little formal education, and often working without reliable electricity, have produced videos on issues concerning them.