On April 26, 1987, for the 50th Anniversary of Gernika’s infamous bombing, I traveled with my father to visit his hometown, and commemorate with him the tragedy of his childhood experiences of war. Euskadi is a beautiful land, with a rich culture steeped in pre-historical times. The Basque people are the tribesmen of Europe, the indigenous mountain people, the proud ones, who have managed to keep their native language alive. My documentary, Gernika Lives, introduces you to some of the survivors, child victims of Franco and Hitler’s first-ever air raid by the German Condor Legion, and consequent Spanish Civil War. Childhood friends of my father’s who defied victimization became: artists, dancers, athletes, chefs, fishermen, politicians, musicians, and always first and foremost; family people, for Euskadi is legendary as a matriarchal society.
Gernika Lives is a 40-minute personal documentary about the bombing of Gernika and the Basque people of Euskadi in Northern Spain. Introduced and narrated by John Randolph. (Spanish and Euskera with English Voice Over) The little town of Gernika was blazed mercilessly, killing a third of the townspeople as a pre -Spanish Civil War warning attack aided by combined nazi - fascist allied forces on the side of Franco. This was the first ever air raid, and the initial test ground for the Nazi new technology and strategy called blitzkrieg, where large masses of innocent civilians would mercilessly be attacked from the air with falling bombs. This evil event prompted Picasso to paint the famous work of art, Guernica. This documentary film was shot in 1987 for the 50th Anniversary of the bombing of Gernika. It is made up of interviews with the survivors, as they remember that horrific day on April 26, 1937 and continue to endlessly question why their identity must be threatened and their ancient precious culture, defamed by outside forces. The Basques are considered to be the indigenous tribesmen of Europe and Gernika is the heart, and holy land of Euskadi. My father, Jesus Plazaetxea, was born in Gernika, and as a child I would hear him tell me about his excruciatingly painful and traumatic memories of the horrors that he, his family and all those around him experienced during that historical bombing, and the ensuing Spanish Civil War. He was only six years old, but vividly recalls, still to this day the atrocities he endured and the regretful consequences of an evil and never-ending attack. It was a beautiful Monday, market day, when all the surrounding villages gather in Gernika’s plaza to sell their produce and goods. Women, men and children from all around were in Gernika selling, shopping, celebrating this traditional outside fair. Now, 20 years later and deeply affected by the events of 9/11, and the world crisis that we are currently living, I hold dear this important film for its relevance and message. Most of the people interviewed are now dead, but I feel fortunate to have been able to stand before them, and hear their heartfelt pleading words that no more dreadful mistakes be made. You can see the pain in their eyes, but most of all the vitality and hope, the joy of being Basque. In 2004, I added footage of my friend, the late Basque writer and historian, Mario de Salegui, who from his gorgeous home in New York City, spoke candidly on the Spanish Civil War, in relation to our escalating world crisis.
To purchase your copy of GERNIKA LIVES, please email me at:
begonya@begonyaplaza.com
Each DVD is priced at $29.99 (Plus SHIPPING COSTS)
Purchase all 4 of my films, including:
The Real Gernika
American Hero
Souvenir Views
Gernika Lives
for only $100.00 (shipping included within the USA).
