Under the Flags, the Sun: A Journey into Paraguay's Past

Cinephil, a renowned world sales outfit, has acquired the distribution rights to "Under the Flags, the Sun," a captivating documentary by Paraguayan filmmaker Juanjo Pereira. This poignant film is set to make its global debut as part of the prestigious Panorama strand at the Berlinale Film Festival.

Unveiling a Buried Past

"Under the Flags, the Sun" delves into the aftermath of Alfredo Stroessner's 35-year dictatorship in Paraguay, which ended in 1989. This authoritarian regime left behind a legacy of audiovisual archives that were instrumental in shaping a national identity and glorifying the regime. However, these archives were largely forgotten.

Decades later, Pereira meticulously unearthed a treasure trove of unseen and long-lost footage, including newsreels, television broadcasts, propaganda films, and declassified documents. This invaluable material reveals the intricate machinery of power that underpinned Stroessner's rule.

Interrogating Power and Memory

According to the press statement, "'Under the Flags, the Sun' examines the appropriation of the past for indoctrination, the construction of national narratives, and the cult of personality surrounding Stroessner."

A Deeper Understanding

Pereira explains, "In Paraguay, our educational system largely ignores this period and other dictatorial regimes that have plagued our country. This documentary serves as a means to explore how these events have influenced the formation of our society, my generation, and my own thoughts and emotions."

A Timely Examination

Suzanne Nodale and Shoshi Korman, co-managing directors of Cinephil, state, "'Under the Flags, the Sun' is not merely a historical documentary. It is a timely interrogation of how media shapes power and shapes collective memory. Through Pereira's skillful use of archival material and modern perspective, the film lays bare mechanisms of control that continue to exert their influence today."

Production and Distribution

"Under the Flags, the Sun" is produced by Ivana Urízar, Paula Zyngierman, Leandro Listorti, Gabriela Sabaté, and Juanjo Pereira. Bird Street Production, Lardux Films, and Welt Film serve as co-producers. Cinephil has secured worldwide sales rights for this thought-provoking film.