Nuestras Madres

Nuestras Madres, released in 2019, is a poignant, thought-provoking film that touches on the themes of loss, identity, and the quest for truth. Notable performances that bring the narrative to life include those from actor Armando Espitia, actress Emma Dib, and actress Aurelia Caal. The film is helmed by the skilled director César Díaz who offers a sobering look at Guatemala's bloody past.

The story is set in modern-day Guatemala, with the nation still trying to come to terms with a 36-year civil war that spanned from the 1960s to the 1990s, a tumultuous period marked by fierce conflicts between the government and leftist rebel groups. The film centers on the character Ernesto, played brilliantly by Armando Espitia. He is a dedicated young anthropologist working for the Forensic Foundation which focuses on unraveling the wartime mysteries still shrouding the country.

The heart of Espitia’s job is to identify the thousands of indigenous Maya Ixil people who were viciously murdered and buried in mass graves during the war. These are people who, in the chaos and horror of war, never received a proper burial, let alone justice. Espitia’s role then becomes one of giving a face and even a body to these victims, a task he undertakes with both professional integrity and a personal commitment.

Ernesto is drawn into a deeper personal investigation when an indigenous woman, Nicolasa, played by Aurelia Caal, seeks his help. Nicolasa hopes to exhume the body of her husband, but in return, she holds the key to the whereabouts of Ernesto’s father, who disappeared during the war. This leads Ernesto on a quest for answers about his father's fate that intertwines with the national narrative and his professional commitments.

The movie beautifully represents the role of mothers—hence the title "Nuestras Madres" which translates to "Our Mothers"—in the backdrop of the Guatemalan civil war. It highlights the women who were left behind, the women who became the backbone of society, and those who had to carry the burdens of their families after losing their men to the war. The mother's narrative, told through Emma Dib's character Cristina, Ernesto's mother, uncovers personal horrors and trauma faced during the war, unveiling a brutal ordeal that thousands of women underwent.

"Nuestras Madres" succinctly offers the provocative question of what happens to a society unable to bury its dead, with countless individuals still seeking answers about their loved ones. The film further explores the intergenerational trauma and grief passed down from those who directly experienced the war to the younger generation who are trying to understand it.

Visually, the film is stunning and masterfully shot, offering striking images that transform Guatemala's landscape into a character itself. Alongside Armando Espitia and Emma Dib's gripping performances, Aurelia Caal’s performance adds a layer of authenticity and a vital voice to the narrative. As Nicolasa, she vividly represents the indigenous Mayan community and their struggle during the period of conflict, layering the film with poignant reminders of the war’s dark legacy.

"Nuestras Madres" is a hard-hitting, passionate, and deeply moving film that gives a face to the still open wounds caused by the Guatemalan civil war. It's a testament to the immense losses endured but also serves as tribute to the resilience of the citizens, particularly the women, who had to rebuild their society from scratch. Director Cesar Díaz, with his attention to historical accuracy blended adeptly with a very personal storyline, offers a seldom-heard tale of the Guatemalan civil war and the heartbreaking generational divide that followed.