‘Argentina needs to end its fantasy of being a European country’: Lucrecia Martel on the story of a killing
The film-maker talks about her homeland’s ‘racism, paternalism and infantilisation’ towards Indigenous people and her award-winning documentary about a community leader’s murder
TL;DR
- Lucrecia Martel's documentary 'Landmarks' focuses on the murder of Indigenous leader Javier Chocobar to expose Argentina's systemic racism and disregard for Indigenous rights.
- The film critiques the Argentine population's alienation from Indigenous issues and the country's historical attempts to deny Indigenous communities their rights and land.
- Martel argues that Argentina's self-image as a European nation ignores its Indigenous heritage and contributes to ongoing discrimination and land disputes.
- The documentary highlights the paternalism and infantilisation Indigenous peoples face, even questioning their historical presence and existence.
- While convicted, the accused men in Chocobar's murder were allowed to appeal, and the community still fights for land recognition, underscoring the ongoing struggle.
- Martel believes that open discourse on societal issues, even by those outside the direct experience, is crucial for progress, while acknowledging concerns about cultural appropriation.