POST 1 (WEEK 3) >> A COUNTRY I´D LIKE TO VISIT

I would like to go to Belgium, it´s a dream since i was a teenager because it has so many interesting things. One of them is the electronic music festival called "Tomorrowland", it´s an amazing event,  the best DJ of the world go to play there, the production it´s great and the stages are incredible, this fest it´s considered the best electronic music festival in the world. 

Of course the party it´s not the most important thing. I like this country for his history, their  renaissance architecture, the beauty of it´s medieval streets and the picturesque of cities like Brujas, Bruselas, San Nicolas, Dinant, among others. Also i like it because they have an execellent national soccer team with some of the greatest players of the world and they are good at sports like tennis, where David Goffin is in the top ten tennis players in the world. 

If i go there, i would like to do it like a tourist. The first place i would like to visit is Brujas because some friends told me that it´s a fairy city, full of vegetation and clobbed streets, there is a canal that runs through the city, and the popular central square of the town seems beautiful. Yes or yes i would go to Tomorrowland and i would try to see a match of the soccer team. 

I hope to visit it some day :) 

Film Review of Invictus

1. Who was your favorite character?

My favorite character was Francois Pienaar, I really liked the interpretation that Matt Damon made about him. In my opinion, this character represents the paradigm shift that Nelson Mandela sought to generate in South Africa. I liked the way he went internalizing the ethical and moral principles that Mandela transmitted to him and then replicate it in the areas of his life, both in sports and personal. In addition to the reflections he had after meeting him, for example in the scene where they are in Robben Island and knows the cell where Mandela lived for years. I really liked his reintrospection and that he was able to open his eyes to a reality that he did not perceive.

2. How does the film show Nelson Mandela?

In the film the figure of Nelson Mandela is portrayed as that of a hero and martyr. They show the image of a man deeply reflective, tolerant and capable of forgiving despite everything he suffered. Someone who overcame hatred between ethnic groups and who urgently sought unity through nonviolence. In my opinion, the figure of Mandela is exalted in this film and he gave me the impression that he was an irreproachable man, someone to be listened to and followed, a man worthy of admiration.

3. How does this film compare to the other films?

This film is very different from all the ones we analyzed in the course. Without a doubt it is the one that I liked least because it deals with the Apartheid issue from a very vague perspective, focusing exclusively on rugby as the means of unity and practically as the solution to the racial conflict. The film makes little emphasis on the harshness of the conflict and at the end under the protection of the purest style of Hollywood shows a happy ending, as if all the problems had been solved. It has a oneiric character and does not give a good overview of the reality lived during apartheid, it is a living representation of what creative industries and their functions are capable of with commercial capital.

Obviously, the film is entertaining and involving because its producers are experts, but it lacks criticism and the reflexive sense that we could experiment with the other films discussed in this course.

Film Review of The Bang Bang Club

 1. In general, what did you like and dislike about the film?

In general I liked the movie very much, as a spectator it kept me in suspense and nervous about the outcome. I think the film portrays very well the rawness of the conflict, the horrific violence and the role that photojournalists played in covering the humanitarian conflict. I feel that the film makes a criticism of the ethics and morality with which the photographers act, inviting the viewer to reflect on their actions and the consequences they could have had if they had done things better. It is a very powerful and emotional film, one of those that leave you with a bitter feeling.

 I feel that the film has a great richness in content, but this could have been recreated much better if they had had better actors. In my opinion, the emotions and feelings that the actors try to interpret are not deep enough to make this a masterpiece of cinema.

 2.  How does the film make you think about your future role as journalists and film makers/producers/creators/directors?

This film made me reflect on egoism, individualism and the profound lack of awareness with which inhuman situations can be faced. in this case the film reflects it with the photographers. In my case that is journalism, it leaves me as a teaching that we have great power in our hands and we must know how to use it. As communicators we have the possibility of disseminating information to a large audience and we must clearly distinguish the influence that can be exercised from the office. Therefore I feel that we should be empathetic, try to improve things within our means and take risks if necessary.

 3.  In this film, and various of the other films, we have seen how black South Africans went to vote massively in April 1994 to seal the downfall of the apartheid system with the electoral triumph of Nelson Mandela and the ANC, now more than 20 years later, we see many of the problems originated during the apartheid are still present such as land inequality, class inequality, unemployment, etc.

How have the dreams from the anti-apartheid struggle played out since the ANC has been in power?

I believe that the political and social situation that the South African population still suffers is very regrettable. Where the historical struggle to achieve equal opportunities of a looted and impoverished people still persists. It seems that the principles of the Charter of Freedom, which in turn were decisive for the struggle against Apartheid, have been forgotten.

Social inequality persists, the positions of power that determine social and economic policies remain under the influence of whites, and there is a clear tendency of the country toward neoliberalism. The foundations that led the ANC to overthrow apartheid are currently very questionable, and the positions of political power that they achieved today are sustained and maintained thanks to the historical memory of a highly traumatic process.

There are great similarities between this situation and that experienced by Chile. Both experienced at a similar historical moment, the social repression of the state, discrimination, racism and intolerance. in which both processes left an indelible mark on their history. The principles of freedom, social equity and the fight against capitalism have been forgotten by those who represent the struggle of both the ANC in South Africa and the Concertación in Chile.

Extreme inequality persists and their governments respond, even if they do not want to admit it to the logic of neoliberal capitalism. I deeply hope that this situation will change, especially in South Africa, and that its future representatives will respect and reflect the historical demands of a beaten people.

Film review of Catch a Fire

1. In general, what did you like and dislike about the film?

Of all the movies we've seen this has been the one I liked the most. It tells a story less known, but no less influential in the fight for racial equality and human rights. I think it was fundamental that the director of the film personally interviewed Patrick Chamusso, because it gives him authenticity and creates a special intimacy with the viewer.

The story and how it develops is very involving, always kept me attentive and aroused many emotions throughout the film. The change of mentality of Patrick was surprising, the music was very well selected. I loved that Bob Marley was present, especially his song Exodus which talks about dreams of freedom.

In general, I could say that I liked everything about the movie, I just had the feeling that it was a bit short, but it is a product of the same tension that it provokes. And no doubt the end leaves great lessons, the fact that Chamusso decides not to kill you, despite all the suffering that this gave him, is a sign of greatness, as it seeks to break the circle of hate.

2. Who was the character you like the most and the character you liked the least in the film? Why?

Definitely the character that I liked the most was Patrick Chamusso. His change of mentality is impressive, the passage of a common man who had stability, considering the context in which they found themselves, a distinguished figure in the struggle for the fundamental rights of a people that is denigrated in their own land, I think incredible and inspiring. He left everything aside for a good that I can not even imagine, fight and be willing to give my life for the slogan of equality and justice speaks of a greatness that only few have.

On the other hand is Nic Vos, the worst character in the film. He embodies a retrograde, racist and imperialist philosophy of thought. It's a latent sign of the abuse of power, racial superiority and the use of violence as a mechanism to solve problems. It's a character that serves as an example to teach that this type of thought exists, is still present and that above all things we must work collectively to change it.

3. What was the role of Samora Machel, the FRELIMO, and revolutionary Mozambique in the struggle against the South African apartheid? Use examples from the film and the biography of Samora Machel

The importance of Samora Machel and the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO), is that they are a symbol of resistance, solidarity and community, not to give up in spite of everything and fight. I think Samora was very influential in the kind of thinking of Patrick Chamusso and helped him to reaffirm his position. 

First they fought their own battle, they won it and they continued to help other African nations in order to liberate them and get fairer rights. In the case of the ANC, they offered their help, they sheltered them, trained them and planned strategies to overthrow apartheid. I find that his way of acting and that deep camaraderie by the other African nations is very respectable, an example worthy of imitation.

Film Review of Kangamba

1. How does the film, Kangamba, show Cuban internationalism in Angola?

The film shows a very heroic image of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR). It shows the Cuban soldiers as men willing to give their lives in very distant lands, capable of fighting without retreating and fighting side by side with the soldiers of The People's Armed Forces of Liberation of Angola (FAPLA) in order to liberate and protect the land of kangamba. The film leaves the impression that the Cuban volunteers are able to feel the pain that afflicts the community of Kangamba, who are besieged by the forces of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA).

2. What was the most impactful scene for you? Why?

In my opinion, the most remarkable scene of the film is when the FAR and FAPLA soldiers read the letter sent by the Cuban commanders to give them strength at a time when almost everything was lost. They were exhausted, many of their comrades had died, there wasn't water or food and UNITA forces seemed implacable. It's the key moment of the film where you can appreciate the horror and pain of war.

3. What was something you like and something you disliked about the film? Why?

What I didn't like about the movie is the patriotism it has. I thought that because it's a film that isn't from the American film industry, it would have another focus on war. For example, the music that it has doesn't feel that it has nuances with Cuban culture and less that of Angola, on the contrary, it's very similar to American productions. The same thing happened to me with the special effects and with that idealism of "here we come the saviors".

What I did like about the movie was the ending, I never expected Mario to die. That broke the ending that seemed to be happy, it surprised me and I think it was a very creative idea.

Film Review of Goodbye Bafana

1. In general, what did you like and dislike about the film?

I find that the film was very interesting, I liked that the director considered it important to tell the story behind the jailer who for years had been in contact with Nelson Mandela. Knowing the history of James Gregory they leads the viewer to imagine the situations with which they had to deal. The constant pressure of the high commands, the psychological stress to which they were exposed, knowing the paradigms of thought that led their actions, and seeing their family life development.

I liked that they gave importance to the Xhosa language, since it brings the viewer closer to the native language by Nelson Mandela. It's an approach to their culture and I think it has the intention of encouraging tolerance and respect, for example in the scenes where Gregory struggles as a child with his friend from an Xhosa language tribe or in the emblematic scene in which he and Mandela struggle remembering what was part of their roots.

In general it was a great experience to see Goodbye Bafana, I recommend her independently of the controversies that revolve around this production.

2. Who was the character you liked the most and the character you liked the least in the film? Why?

The character that I liked the most was Nelson Mandela, I think his version in this film is more realistic, probably because the production of the film was not in the hands of the American film industry and was directed by the great Danish film director Bille August . Again he is seen an admirable personality, but less exacerbated than in other films. for example in the scene when Gregory tells Mandela and others of his comrades that 17 white people had died in an attack carried out by opposition forces to the Apartheid regime. His response was to think of the thousands of blacks who have died as a result of the repression of the authorities and he would not take a step back.

The character that I liked least was James Gregory, although the performance behind the character was very good, it seems to me that he never really put himself at risk for Mandela, nor did he transmit to his children the values he transmitted. For example, when the police repress the blacks for not going through the pass and hit them regardless of who they are. James' only response to the horror of his children was that this was the work of the police and they had to do it. Gregory was simply a subordinate, his actions were small but they couldn't change anything and for him it was always more important to move up in his work.

3. How do the versions of James Gregory, Nelson Mandela, and Winnie Mandela compare between Goodbye Bafana and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom?

I think that Winnie Mandela's version of Long Walk to Freedom is much more protagonist than in Goodbye Bafana. In this last one she has a secondary role, we can only see her in the scenes in which she is going to visit Mandela to jail. You can't appreciate his political role and the experiences he had to face for years with his family before Nelson was released.

I also believe that the role of James Gregory in Goodbye Bafana is much closer to Nelson Mandela than in Long Walk to Freedom. This is because Goodbye Bafana is specifically about the life of James during the time he had to keep an eye on Mandela. Unlike this, the jailer portrayed in Long Walk to Freedom, is more distant and only appreciates his approach to the end of the scenes in which Mandela is already close to obtaining freedom.

Finally, I think Nelson Mandela's characterization of Long Walk to Freedom is much better than that of Goodbye Bafana. It presents multiple aspects of his life as his romances, his ideals, his family and his political participation. In addition, the actor makes a great interpretation of the character. In Goodbye Bafana I feel that the acting part is weaker and we can only know small passages of his life. Therefore, it distances the viewer from a close image of this character.

Film Review of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

1. In general, what did you like and dislike about the film?

A while ago I saw Invitus, it was the first time I saw a film about Nelson Mandela and Apartheid. I have never known much about South African history, so it was a good approach. Now, after seeing Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom I am impressed by the way they approached the subject.

What I liked most, apart from the performance of the actress who played Winnie Mandela, was how the director could capture the historical context of violence, the protests for the rights of blacks and state repression, without ever losing tension in the whole movie. I think the music is great, especially the songs about the South African culture, because they are full of overwhelming force.

What I didn´t like about the film was that it was given a very abrupt end, the transition from an impending civil war to the presidency of Nelson Mandela was very rapid. In my opinion it lacked development at a critical moment and a lot of tension within the film, but in general was a great movie.

2. In your own words, how would you compare the "various Mandelas;" the ones from the article and the one from the film?

I think the two Mandelas described in the article agree with the growth of Nelson Mandela in the film. The transition of a revolutionary man willing to an armed struggle, a leader who was willing to give his life if necessary, for example the speech he gave before being sentenced to life imprisonment, a man who thought that through violence they would find the solution to end apartheid. Towards old Mandela, a wise person, capable of forgiving those who hurt him. Someone able to see beyond, a symbol of peace and revolution. bought have a lot in common.

In spite of the fact that the Article questions certain mysticalisms about the figure of Nelson Mandela, both productions show great respect for him. Nonetheless I agree with Fogel about being careful with the stories and myths that revolve around his figure, because there is a lot of history that we should know.

3. What was the role that Winnie Mandela played in the film? Think about the contrast between her and the other ANC members.

Winnie Mandela played a leading role since it appears on the scene. When she met Nelson Mandela, she was a beautiful, subtle woman, a social worker who saw with some ingenuity the social change that black citizens were urgently seeking. She always supported the cause, she helped Mandela and the ANC, but never as a leader.

Since Madiba was imprisoned, she changed categorically. The repression of the state, the critical situation of violence that they lived and all the humiliations suffered. Made her change her personality, she became a fierce woman, ready for an armed struggle because she thought that was the only solution to defeat the oppressors and thus capture the rights and freedoms they never had.

Over the years she became leader of the ANC, but she didn´t agree with the high command of the movement, since they thought that the solution could be through dialogue and nonviolence. She was against that solution, her anger and resentment against the human rights violations of Apartheid was greater. That substantial difference of thought led them to finally having to separate.

4. How do you compare the role of Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress in the struggle against the apartheid and in the post-apartheid South Africa to the Concertación and their role in the struggle against Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship and in post-dictatorial Chile?

Both struggles have much in common, on the one hand Mandela and the ANC fought for minimum rights of equality in a land that belonged to them. A fight for racial rights, which implies a change of ideological paradigm on the part of the whites who led apartheid. On the other hand, in Chile a military dictatorship was installed, all those who manifested their opposition to the regime were killed, tortured or never appeared again. Both situations are characterized by intolerance, abuse of power and violation of human rights.

The two experiences lasted for many years, had moments in which it was thought that everything was lost. For example when the main ANC leaders were imprisoned or the murder of the main opposition figures in the Chilean case. In both situations, it was finally not the violence that led them to victory, it was through the presidential elections in the South African case and through the plebiscite in the Chilean case.

After overthrowing both regimes, vestiges of the past still persist. These countries are very unequally economically, The ANC fought not only to achieve racial equality, they also fought to make their society more just, the years have passed and the gap still persists. In Chile, for example, the agreement promised that they would change the constitution made during the dictatorship, but it is still the same. We are a Neoliberal economy, also South Africa, that means that we forge deeply unequal societies, controlled by the nuclei of power that seek to maintain their hegemony. Both cases have achieved significant changes, but the struggle still persists.

My best reporting history

As I am still in the basic cycle of journalism, I have not had many experiences reporting or rather exercising informational reporting. The subject of radio has allowed me to know a little more about the job of collecting, processing and transmitting information on the ground. The informational guidelines that I have attended, corresponded to government issues, so I met some ministers, deputies and other government actors.

Where I have had the possibility to report more deeply, it has been in advanced reporting. Among all the activities we have done for this subject, the work I liked the most was to have to make a journalistic profile about an influential person in society.

I chose Tata Barahona, I had to interview him but he didn't answer my calls. One day a friend of the university, told me that his brother could give me the Tata number. Without hesitation I said yes, on receiving your number I send you a whatsapp and within a few hours he answered me. He was very kind and he said to visit him the next day.

I went to visit him to his workshop of lutheria, located in Serrano street arriving at avenue matta. It was an old house called "mother house", there work many craftsmen of music, among them Tata barahona. Was very kind to me, we talked about his career, the feelings that causes the music in the listener, motivations of life, dreams that we have, among other things.

Was the first job in which I could choose my pattern, it was a great experience. Tata barahona left me a great impression, he is very sensitive and cultured man. I hope to continue to carry out this type of reporting throughout the year.

My favorite subject of the semester

The classes taught by Professor Ossandon are very quiet. The contents are complex, so some sleep and others listen carefully to the monologue that the teacher does. His voice is very calm, it makes the environment relax and his didactic form of teaching captivates the students who were not overcome by the dream.

I find the subject very interesting because the authors treat very sensitive issues of the twentieth century and advance many of the current social phenomena. What is enlightenment ?, mass culture, cultural industries, technical reproducibility, etc. Are some of the contents that analyze modernity, criticizing the whole structure of inequality and tyranny.

He explains that modernity is the result of four processes: "Reformation", "illustration", "French revolution" and "industrial revolution". To analyze that despite having reached the "promise" of enlightenment, where reason and domination over nature are central to the approach, we come to a twentieth century of total destruction, violence, genocide and irrationality.

I like how they unleashed historical facts to make a harsh criticism of the system. Despite being in the same historical context, they were brave. Perhaps because they were protected by the complexity of their writings, independent of that, they had the courage to divulge their works full of cultural wealth, which today should leave the intellectual circles to be read by a wider population.

I recommend "Critical Theory" with the teacher ossadon, surely you will learn a lot.

A person that I admire

Jose Carrasco Tapia was born in Santiago in August of 1943. He was a Chilean journalist who fought against the censorship imposed by the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet in Chile. But his fight didn´t remain alone in the defense of freedom of the press, He maintained a political and trade union commitment as a member of the Association of Journalists, member of the Central Committee of the Movement of the Revolutionary Left (MIR) and part of the Popular Democratic Movement MDP). His most important job was as international editor of a magazine called “Analisis”. There he worked with journalist of the size of Maria Olivia Monckeberg or Juan Pablo Cardenas, both of them National journalism awards.  

After the ambush against the dictator Augusto Pinochet on September of 1986, on the way to Cajon Del Maipo, the command called "September 11", burst into the journalist's house to take him away. Thus, José Carrasco became one of four victims that the dictatorship chose in its reprisal, leaving it near the Park of Remembrance, with 14 bullet impacts.

I think that “pepone” left an indelible legacy marked by his fight to protect human rights and the freedom of press. 

He inspires me because he had the strength to face the system imposed, for looking for a way to change the world. and make it more democratic, fair and free.    

My favorite concert

When I was studying journalism at University of Santiago (Usach) in 2015, one of the most important groups of “The new Chilean song” where turning fifty years of career. I´m talking about Quilapayun, they prepared a tour around the country and they first stop were in Santiago.

The concert was in the constitution square, there were thousands of people waiting for the presentation. I was with two friends; we prepared for the occasion so we dressed with woolen vests and “ponchos”. The square was full of red flags and symbolisms of the Popular Unit (UP), the sensations in that place bring back a lot of memories about the Dictatorship of 1973.

The environment was cheerful, familiar and above everything magical. Because they intertwined emotions like happiness and a sense of homage, to the people who lost their lives due to the human rights violations committed by the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.  

The talent of the musicians of Quilapayun was awesome. The harmonies, the melodies, the choirs and the varied amount of wind, string and percussion instruments were beautiful. They attitude on the stage filled people with energy and they frequently asked for the participation of the public. When they played “Vamos Mujer” I was excited, I must admit that I fell a few tears. Who cares, it was an unrepeatable moment. 

A photograph I like

Annie Leibovitz, one of the most prestigious and famous photographer in the last forty years, took this photograph in 1980 hours before the murder of the ex legend of The Beatles, John Lennon.

It all started when Annie went to New York and made some photographs of John and Yoko together, for the interview that they were doing of the publication of their last disc, Fantasy Double, to Rolling Stones magazine. Annie, not satisfied with the first photographs, decides to take the photos again.

So on December 8, 1980, they meet again in their state in Dakota, with the idea to recreate something similar to the cover of the new album. John emphasized that he knew that the magazine wanted a single and special photo of him on the front page, but for him was important to be with Yoko in the session. So Leibovitz thought that a good photography could be, Yoko dressed and John naked while he curls up in she, the idea was powerful and it works.  

I like that image because it has a lot of symbolism, he looks vulnerable, refuge in the body of his love. I think this photo represents the confidence, love to the human nature, no fear to express their souls and emotions. It´s magnific portrait of a moment who inspires me a lot of serenity. 

My best drunk story

My best drunk story was the last year in my birthday.  I think so, because it was a different celebration like other years. My best friends were present (including my brother), of course my mom and dad, and a very loved married couple who are friends of my parents.

We started the birthday preparing a barbecue, there were a lot of beers and the firsts “Piscolas” of the night (a mix of Pisco and Coca Cola). After six can of beers I was a little bit drunk, but above all happy, because the people that I really appreciate were there. With some friends take out my music instruments to the yard and we started to campfire songs.

Everybody sang with the improvise band, it was really funny. While we were playing I drank 4 glasses of Jack Daniels whisky, so when we finish I was very drunk. Then we listened to the music and talked about anything, from the meaning of life to the football matches of Sundays.

Already in the morning, to finish the celebration, we ate "caldillo de congrio" and we lit the last cigarette before we said goodbye. was a drunk night but it doesn´t matter because i always drink with responsability and this was a special occasion.

The next day i woke up without hangover, it was magical since that never happens. There I could verify that it was my best drunk ever.

My favorite piece of technology

My favorite piece of technology has always been the Playstation. As a child I was very attracted to the nintendo 64, but my parents never bought it because they considered it useless. I had to wait a long time until I convinced them to buy me the playstation 2. When they gave it to me I couldn´t  believe it, I was very happy, i could finally enjoy the graphics, the movements, the dynamic and the infinite variety of games offered by the console.

Since they gave me the playstation 2, I followed their technological progress until I currently have the playstation 4. The reason for this interest is attributed mainly to sports games, especially “FIFA”, because I am a football lover and the game quality is very real. Every day I play about an hour and I like to do it online because there are very good players.

My life without the playstation would not be terrible at all. But I must admit that what I would miss the most would be playing FIFA tournaments with my friends at home.

University career

In fourth year of High school, I was so lost about what career I would like to choose. I loved the art of music and I wanted to be a composer, but I had fear of what could happened in the future been a musician and following a career that requires a lot of perfectionism and a previous musical knowledge.

Spite of I had the support of my parents, a lot of times they tried to influence me to study another career, like law or some engineering. The constants ideas that my friends and parents gave me made me hesitate. Because of that I looked professional help and I went to a youthful guiding.

The sessions with the guiding were very helpful, after a lot of psychological and vocational tests the result were journalism or cinema. I believed in the results and when I had to choose the career, I opted to study journalism at the University of Chile.

This is my second year in the career and I don´t regret of my decision.  

Blog session 1: Auto Biography

Sebastian Aedo was born in Osorno a small and rainy city located in the south of Chile. At the age of seven He and his family moved to Pto Montt, a big town who is the capital of the "Los Lagos" region, and he studied for one year in the American School primary.

His father job was in Santiago, and he with his mom and brother had to move to Chillan because his grandparents were sick. After a short time, his dad fined a better job in Concepción so they were near again.

Sebastian studied all his youth in “Padre Alberto Hurtado” school. He liked to play table tennis with his friends and he was part of the school football team.  Seba loved to listen Nirvana but he left Grunge music because he started to play guitar and his new love was Silvio Rodriguez.

After a year going to the pre-university, he started studying journalism at University of Chile and now he is passing the second year of his career.