FILM

NICK MACWILLAM: SANTIAGO RISING

Nick MacWilliam is a journalist and documentary filmmaker who moved to St. Leonards, East Sussex, in March 2021. Macwilliam's first full feature documentary Santiago Rising records a historic uprising because of the long-running social, political, economic and environmental issues causing anger among Chileans in late 2019 

The 1973 military coup against the Chilean socialist government installed a fascist dictatorship that killed thousands and displaced and tortured tens of thousands. Although the military dictatorship ended in 1990, crimes and injustices that occurred during the dictatorship were never dealt with, and the model of rule never changed. Over the years, Chileans have been suppressed through various means. During the 1973 military coup, atrocities, including the bombing of the presidential palace, the assassination of the president, killing, torturing, and exile of thousands of Chileans, and other social and economic injustices were never dealt with. As the social and economic model saw no progressive change since the dictatorship, inequality within Chilean society grew, resulting in large parts of the population experiencing a lack of access to education and health care. 

Tensions came to a head in October 2019, where MacWilliams describes it as a "rejection of an economic, social and political model, imposed through a violent military coup, where injustices, inequality and the brutal state authoritarian police, treated citizens as enemies". The Chilean youth, both young men and women, is a ray of hope for the country; unlike their parents' generation who were terrorised out of resistance, the new generation (born after the dictatorship) is very radical, militant and strong in the face of adversity. They are an inspiration for everyone, fighting fearlessly for change. Interestingly, the youth or students were the driving force behind the protests. The protests began in Chile's capital, Santiago, as a coordinated fare evasion campaign by high school students against increased metro ticket prices, which led to spontaneous takeovers of the city's main train stations. In retaliation, the government sent in a militarised police force attacking both the students and bystanders. Using excessive force to deal with youngsters staging peaceful protests struck a chord in many people, and many people rose in protest all over the country. 

MacWilliam lived in Chile from 2010 to 2014. He is fluent in Chilean Spanish and has worked in several positions, including teaching, editing, translating, and journalism, while associating with different segments of society. He has always been interested in political history, especially the South American region, as well as successfully pursued a masters in Latin American politics before stepping into filmmaking. His four years in Chile have made him deeply aware of the social issues and tensions among Chileans. MacWilliam has attended many Chilean protests, including protests with students, environmental movements, and justice for the victims of the dictatorship. He was in Chile in 2019 and filmed what he saw around him, moving around the city and talking to people from various walks of life. He says that, with his background and his interests, he "couldn't not make" the documentary, and it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. 

Santiago Rising is not just a political documentary, but it also documents how culture and politics merge amid a time of dissent. It further portrays the role of art and music in protests – the importance of music in raising a voice against the unequal social system and spreading the message across the country, and political slogans and messages conveyed through beautiful murals. Chile has a wonderful tradition of radical documentary making, political protest music, literature, and theatre. Music, colours, and costumes are central to the rallies. In the scenes from protests in the documentary, you can see a powerful contrast between the two parties: Civilians wearing costumes and playing music going against armoured police with water cannons and tear gas.  

The documentary interests both Chileans and those who know nothing about Chile equally.  MacWilliam hopes his film will resonate with Chileans and contribute to the political documentary heritage of Chile. Even if you know nothing about the current political turmoil in Chile, you can watch Santiago Rising and gain an insight into the political and social climate of the country.  

MacWilliam is preparing to screen his insightful and engaging documentary as the 2019 uprising reaches its second anniversary. Santiago Rising will be screening in several theatres across the UK.

 www.santiagorisingfilm.com Santiago Rising Screenings @alboradafilms

SCSQ Editors

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