HOT DOCS 2018: WOMEN OF THE VENEZUELAN CHAOS

We have all seen and heard through the media the crisis that the country of Venezuela is going through.  The documentary film Women of the Venezuelan Chaos which premiered at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival in Toronto will give you a better understanding of what exactly is going on.  Through the lens of five Venezuelan women, we are told their stories of how the country is in a complete chaos and how the basics of human needs are not being met and must be fought for.  Whether it is simple staples such as rice and sugar, or common needs such as diapers for babies, the state of the country of Venezuela is something that is to not be admired.  In addition to the economic and social problems, Venezuela is in political chaos as well with the amount of violence, kidnapping and false imprisonment that is happening in which these women share their story.  Women of the Venezuelan Chaos is a very moving documentary and undoubtedly an eye opener for many documentary lovers.  Furthermore, it is a film that director Margarita Cadenas has put everything on the line with even her own life to tell the current state of her country.  FERNTV spoke to director Margarita Cadenas about this shocking film that was very risky to make but rewarding because it is a plea for help.

Margarita:   My inspiration came from my realization of the extent of the crisis in my motherland.

Margarita:  Of course, all the people involved feared for their lives. In order to aleviate the worry and stress, we employed professional bodyguards throughout the filming.

Margarita:   My team and I used our acquaintances and all possible ways such as journalists, radio etc to find our subjects. They came forward as they really thought their testomonies could be of help to their fellow citizens in the long run.

Margarita:  That’s a very difficult question as there are numerous ways to answer it. However, what shocks me the most is the fact that the regime has turned their citizens into paupers and criminals. Even those who were well-off, sell or pawn their wares to survive.

Margarita:   After making this film, my overall impression of the country of Venezuela is very dismal. What used to be a rich and beautiful country is being driven into the ground, with increasing speed on a daily basis.

Margarita:   The biggest challenges were finding firstly the subjects, then a crew willing to take the risks of filming in a totally clandestine way in the extremely dangerous city of Caracas.

Margarita:   The soundtrack was put together by Remi Boubal who made the  music and Robert Kopec who was the sound designer . It was a wonderful experience working with such professionals. To say they are perfectionists would be a euphemism.

Margarita:  I am delighted and honoured to be part of the ever so prestigeous festival Hot Docs, this year.