Standing against oppression
Community activist discusses militarism and paramilitarism
Nina Hall
Issue date: 10/19/09 Section: News
Filmmaker and community activist Simon Sedillo visited UMKC on Oct. 14 to present his film, "La Familia Races."
The UMKC chapter of MECHA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán) hosted the event. It was co-sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Access and Equity and the Economics club.
The main focus was the issue of militarism to paramilitarism, and how it specifically impacts the people in southern Mexico.
Paramilitarism is the community fighting back against injustice.
"Paramilitarism can be defined in many ways," Sedillo said.
Paramilitarism influences aspects of life in Mexico, such as college campuses and labor unions.
The workshop also focused on neoliberalism, which is for economic growth and against big business, and its effects on indigenous populations.
Sedillo shattered myths about United States military intervention indigenous communities of Mexico, past and present.
Sedillo began by telling his life story and why he became a filmmaker and community activist.
He also gave a brief overview of the history of the uprisings.
The events began in May 2006 when police responded to a teacher strike and opened fired on a non-violent protest.
The conflict lasted until Nov. 25 but had a lasting impact on the residents of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Growing up, Sedillo witnessed police brutality and became involved in crime, but made the decision to turn away from crime.
"I've always been political," he said.
After seeing a news report about the uprisings taking place in Oaxaca, he decided to become involved by making films.
He believes putting cameras in the hands of regular people is the best way to document unjust situations.
During the second half of the workshop, he discussed the role of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and its impact on Mexico's constitution.
Sidello criticized NAFTA as well as the economic policies that are supposed to help Mexico, but ended up causing more harm than good.
He also discussed the role of the Zapatista, a guerilla army that has played a significant role in the uprisings.
During the last part of the workshop he presented his latest film, which showed a family who used their music talent to express their political views.
The family filmed also participated in the uprising along with other protestors.
"La Familia Races" is different from the films he normally makes, which focus on torture and murder.
By the end of the workshop, participants had the opportunity to purchase the film, and were left with an understanding of militarism and paramilitarism.
nhall@unews.com
The UMKC chapter of MECHA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán) hosted the event. It was co-sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Access and Equity and the Economics club.
The main focus was the issue of militarism to paramilitarism, and how it specifically impacts the people in southern Mexico.
Paramilitarism is the community fighting back against injustice.
"Paramilitarism can be defined in many ways," Sedillo said.
Paramilitarism influences aspects of life in Mexico, such as college campuses and labor unions.
The workshop also focused on neoliberalism, which is for economic growth and against big business, and its effects on indigenous populations.
Sedillo shattered myths about United States military intervention indigenous communities of Mexico, past and present.
Sedillo began by telling his life story and why he became a filmmaker and community activist.
He also gave a brief overview of the history of the uprisings.
The events began in May 2006 when police responded to a teacher strike and opened fired on a non-violent protest.
The conflict lasted until Nov. 25 but had a lasting impact on the residents of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Growing up, Sedillo witnessed police brutality and became involved in crime, but made the decision to turn away from crime.
"I've always been political," he said.
After seeing a news report about the uprisings taking place in Oaxaca, he decided to become involved by making films.
He believes putting cameras in the hands of regular people is the best way to document unjust situations.
During the second half of the workshop, he discussed the role of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and its impact on Mexico's constitution.
Sidello criticized NAFTA as well as the economic policies that are supposed to help Mexico, but ended up causing more harm than good.
He also discussed the role of the Zapatista, a guerilla army that has played a significant role in the uprisings.
During the last part of the workshop he presented his latest film, which showed a family who used their music talent to express their political views.
The family filmed also participated in the uprising along with other protestors.
"La Familia Races" is different from the films he normally makes, which focus on torture and murder.
By the end of the workshop, participants had the opportunity to purchase the film, and were left with an understanding of militarism and paramilitarism.
nhall@unews.com
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