“Europe's mark in Chile: Solidarity, Resistance, Return" - Documentary on the 50th anniversary of the coup

In the context of the 50th anniversary of the 1973 military Coup in Chile, the EU Delegation in Chile, in close partnership with the Chilean public service broadcaster (TVN), released a documentary series touching upon the solidarity of EU Member States in the aftermath of Pinochet’s takeover.

The three episodes of the documentary series, “Solidarity”, “Resistance”, and “Return”, were broadcasted on the news bulletin “24 horas Central” on Television National de Chile on August 29, 30 and 31. 

The initiative brought together the stories of Chileans who were aided by European embassies and went in exile to Europe along with interviews of European citizens from different Member States who offered their help and solidarity in these dire circumstances. The series highlights both the role of European solidarity in helping Chileans as well as the impact of the Chilean experience on the cultures and societies in Europe. The documentary series features exclusive images provided by the archives of European national television channels and relevant documents such as the resolution of the European Parliament in October 1973 that urged the return of democracy and the stop of human rights violations.

The series consists of the following episodes:

1. "Solidarity" captures the first expressions of solidarity made by EU Member States, including by the former Ambassador of Sweden, Harald Edelstam, and the Chargé d'Affaires of Finland, Tapani Brotherus. It also includes an interview with the current President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, who recounts his role as number one observer in the 1988 Plebiscite that marked the end of the dictatorship.

Available here: https://youtu.be/qm4u1fmxeQ8?si=hHGjhpdJ04D53LKa

2. "Resistance" illustrates the media coverage of the coup from a European perspective and the work of foreign correspondents who played a crucial role in informing about the Coup and its aftermath. 

Available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFf9Fr0tgQk

3. "Return" focuses on the Chileans in exile and the impact of the cultural movement outside Chile, including interviews with members of well-known music groups Inti llimani Histórico and Quilapayún, who used their music as a tool of protest against the military regime.

Available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D6Q1LGtTVU