In 1987 my father and I visited Gernika, his home town. It was the 50th Anniversary of the bombing of Euskadi's sacred land, destroyed by Franco and Hitler. I film my father's reunion with old childhood friends, and family. Some are renowned Basques in the arts, sports and politics. They recount their horrific memories with emotional depth. This is a 45-minute film starring the late John Randolph, writer/historian: Mario de Salegi and my father, Jesus Plaza.
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 pay by PAY PAL and/or email me with your contact information and purchase confirmation at:
begonya@begonyaplaza.com
Priced at $29.99 (Includes shipping) Purchase any 3 of my films, including: Gernika Lives, The Real Gernika, American Hero, Souvenir Views
for only $80.00 (shipping included within the USA).
This film is a must see in my opinion for anyone interested in history, but more so for any Basque who is not familiar with the story of Gernika.
Also this film shows a lot about the Basque people and the culture that has kept them unique and apart from other people's for as long as can be remembered.
I have been slowly but surely compiling a library of books and films concerning the Basque that I intend to leave for my Grandchildren so they may learn of there heritage. This film will be in that Library.
Posted by: Nickolas Garatea | 05/16/2007 at 02:25 PM