FARC's 50-Year War: 6 Gripping Docs on Colombia's Rebel Insurgency

Exploring the Legacy of Colombia's Longest-Running Guerrilla Group

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP) played a significant role in Colombia's history as a powerful rebel group. Founded in 1964, the FARC-EP waged a decades-long insurgency against the Colombian government, shaping the country's political and social landscape for over half a century.

Documentaries offer a unique lens through which to explore the complex history and impact of the FARC-EP. These films provide viewers with insights into the group's origins, ideology, and the consequences of its actions on Colombian society. By examining different perspectives, documentaries can help audiences gain a more nuanced understanding of this controversial organization and its place in Colombia's tumultuous past.

1) 'Guerrilla Girl' directed by Stephanie Black

'Guerrilla Girl' is a documentary that provides an intimate look at the life of a young woman who joins the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC-EP). The film explores the motivations and experiences of female guerrillas within the organization.

Directed by Frank Piasechi Poulsen, not Stephanie Black as originally stated, the documentary follows Isabel, a student who enters the FARC-EP ranks. It offers a rare glimpse into the training and daily life of guerrilla fighters in the Colombian jungle.

The film examines the complex reasons that lead individuals, particularly young women, to join revolutionary groups. It presents a nuanced portrayal of life within the FARC-EP, showing both the ideological commitment and personal challenges faced by its members.

'Guerrilla Girl' raises questions about the role of women in armed conflicts and the impact of guerrilla movements on Colombian society. The documentary provides viewers with a unique perspective on the FARC-EP's internal dynamics and recruitment practices.

https://mubi.com/films/guerrilla-girl

2) 'Rebel Hearts of Colombia' by Vicente Ferraz

'Rebel Hearts of Colombia' is a documentary film directed by Vicente Ferraz that explores the lives of FARC-EP members. The film offers an intimate look at the guerrilla fighters, showcasing their daily routines and personal stories.

Ferraz gained unprecedented access to FARC camps, allowing him to capture candid moments and conduct in-depth interviews. The documentary presents a nuanced portrayal of the rebels, revealing their motivations and ideologies.

The film examines the complex relationship between FARC members and Colombian civilians. It highlights the impact of the conflict on rural communities and the role of women within the guerrilla organization.

'Rebel Hearts of Colombia' also touches on the peace negotiations between FARC and the Colombian government. The documentary provides context for the group's decision to engage in dialogue and the challenges faced during the process.

Ferraz's work stands out for its balanced approach, presenting multiple perspectives on the FARC-EP without passing judgment. The film serves as a valuable resource for understanding the human dimension of Colombia's long-running conflict.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1235841/

3) 'Sins of My Father' featuring Sebastián Marroquín

'Sins of My Father' is a 2009 documentary that offers a unique perspective on Pablo Escobar's life through the eyes of his son, Sebastián Marroquín. The film explores the complex legacy of Colombia's most infamous drug lord.

Directed by Nicolas Entel, the documentary provides an intimate look at Escobar's family life and the consequences of his actions. Marroquín, who changed his name from Juan Pablo Escobar, shares his personal experiences and reflections.

The film also features the sons of two of Escobar's prominent victims, adding depth to the narrative. It examines the impact of Escobar's crimes on Colombian society and the lasting effects on his family.

'Sins of My Father' received critical acclaim for its balanced approach and emotional depth. It offers valuable insights into Colombia's turbulent history and the human cost of the drug trade.

The documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the far-reaching consequences of violence and the challenges of reconciliation. It presents a compelling story of redemption and the struggle to forge an identity separate from one's infamous parent.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sins_of_My_Father_(film)

4) 'Colombian Guerrillas' from the Inside by Jorge Enrique Botero

'Colombian Guerrillas' from the Inside offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives of FARC-EP members. Jorge Enrique Botero, a Colombian journalist, gained unprecedented access to the guerrilla group's camps and operations.

The documentary showcases interviews with FARC leaders and rank-and-file fighters. It explores their motivations, ideologies, and the challenges they face in the dense Colombian jungle.

Botero's film provides a balanced perspective, neither glorifying nor demonizing the FARC-EP. It presents the complexity of the conflict and the human stories behind the headlines.

The documentary sheds light on the group's organizational structure and their interactions with local communities. It also touches on the FARC's involvement in the drug trade and their political aspirations.

'Colombian Guerrillas' from the Inside offers valuable insights for those seeking to understand the nuances of Colombia's long-running internal conflict.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0472319/

5) 'The FARC Files: Venezuela, Ecuador and the Secret Archive of 'Raúl Reyes'' by Inter-American Institute for International Law and Human Rights

This documentary explores the contents of computer files seized from FARC leader Raúl Reyes in 2008. The files were recovered during a Colombian military raid on Reyes' camp in Ecuador.

The film analyzes the strategic dossier based on these files, which provide insights into FARC's evolution and international connections. It examines FARC's relationships with the governments of Venezuela and Ecuador.

The documentary highlights how FARC transformed from a small guerrilla group into a significant regional player. It explores the organization's international committee and its efforts to gain support from other countries.

Viewers learn about FARC's internal communications, strategic planning, and diplomatic outreach as revealed in the seized files. The film offers a unique look into the inner workings of the rebel group during a critical period.

[https://www.iiss.org/publications/strategic-dossiers/farc-files]

6) 'The Two Escobars' directed by Jeff Zimbalist and Michael Zimbalist

'The Two Escobars' is a documentary that explores the intertwined lives of Colombian footballer Andrés Escobar and drug lord Pablo Escobar. The film delves into the complex relationship between soccer and organized crime in Colombia during the 1990s.

The documentary examines the tragic events surrounding Andrés Escobar's own goal in the 1994 World Cup and his subsequent murder. It also investigates Pablo Escobar's influence on Colombian soccer and society at large.

Directors Jeff and Michael Zimbalist skillfully weave together archival footage, interviews, and reenactments to tell this compelling story. The film sheds light on the social and political climate of Colombia during a tumultuous period in its history.

'The Two Escobars' premiered at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival and received critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of a complex subject. The documentary offers a unique perspective on the intersection of sports, crime, and national identity in Colombia.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1493943/

Historical Context of the FARC-EP

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP) emerged from Colombia's complex political landscape and agrarian conflicts. Its origins and evolution were shaped by key historical events spanning several decades.

Origins and Founding Principles

The FARC-EP traces its roots to the 1940s and 1950s, a period marked by intense political violence in Colombia known as "La Violencia." This conflict pitted conservative and liberal factions against each other, leading to widespread rural unrest.

In 1964, communist guerrilla groups formed the FARC-EP as a response to government attacks on rural communities. The organization adopted Marxist-Leninist ideology and aimed to represent Colombia's peasant population.

The FARC-EP's founding principles included:

Land reform and redistribution
Opposition to U.S. influence in Colombia
Establishment of a socialist state

Key Historical Events

The FARC-EP's history is marked by significant milestones:

1966: First Conference of the Southern Bloc, officially establishing the FARC-EP 1982: Decision to expand into urban areas and increase military operations 1998-2002: Failed peace negotiations with the Colombian government 2008: Death of FARC-EP founder Manuel Marulanda 2012: Start of new peace talks in Havana, Cuba 2016: Signing of a peace agreement with the Colombian government

These events reflect the FARC-EP's transformation from a small guerrilla group to a major force in Colombian politics and its eventual shift towards peace negotiations.

Impact of the FARC-EP on Colombian Society

The FARC-EP's influence on Colombian society has been profound and far-reaching. Their activities have shaped social, economic, and political landscapes across the country for decades.

Social and Economic Effects

The FARC-EP's presence led to widespread displacement of rural populations. Thousands fled their homes to escape violence and recruitment efforts. This mass migration strained urban resources and infrastructure.

Drug trafficking operations run by the group fueled a narco-economy in some regions. While providing income for some, it also increased addiction rates and related crime.

The conflict damaged Colombia's education system. Many schools in rural areas closed due to security concerns. Teacher shortages and limited resources hindered learning opportunities for children.

Agriculture suffered as farmers abandoned land or were forced to grow coca. This disrupted food production and rural economies.

Political Influence

The FARC-EP's ideology shaped leftist political movements in Colombia. Some sympathizers entered mainstream politics, influencing policy debates.

Peace negotiations elevated the group's status as a political actor. The 2016 peace agreement granted the FARC seats in Congress, formalizing their role in national politics.

The conflict fueled political polarization. It divided Colombians between those supporting negotiation and those favoring military solutions.

Human rights violations committed by the FARC-EP eroded trust in institutions. This contributed to skepticism toward government peace efforts and reconciliation initiatives.