DEFENSORA

Directed by RACHEL SCHMIDT

Date

November 14, 2019

About Project

DIRECTOR

RACHEL SCHMIDT

COUNTRY

CANADA

RUNNING TIME

40 mins

YEAR

2013

LANGUAGE

English, Spanish with English Subtitles

ABOUT THE FILM

Defensora is a timely documentary that provides candid insights into the brave resistance struggles of Maya Q’eqchi’ women and men in El Estor, Guatemala. The story is set along the shores of Lake Izabal, where Hudbay Minerals, a nickel mining company, has operated for over 50 years. Tensions run high against a backdrop and history of violence, intimidation and forced evictions; the stakes are high for the Mayan Q’eqchi people who risk their lives to protect their lands, speak the truth and seek justice in Canadian courts, and for Hudbay Minerals that continues to deny their allegations.