GERNIKA LIVES (Documentary)

The 70th Anniversary of The Bombing of Guernica.
1937 - 2007.

April 26, 2007

Twenty years ago, for the 50th Anniversary of the bombing, my father and I visited Gernika to learn about my culture and to explore what had occured on that horrendous day that destroyed my father's family and land.

TRAILER:

Gernika Lives is a 40-minute 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, and look into their eyes, capturing the pain and fear of any more future human disaster.

2004, added footage of Basque writer and historian, Mario de Salegui, speaking from his home in New York City, on the Spanish Civil War and our present day crisis in the world.

By exposing the impact and damage that violence inflicts on our fragile humanity, with this personal film I hope to stimulate compassion and peace throughout. Begonya Plaza

and:

"THE REAL GERNIKA"

Is a fictionalized short 25 minute film about a Basque/American woman (Begonya Plaza) of Basque Descent who returns to Gernika in search of her roots and heritage. While visiting her grandfather’s grave, she meets an American Brigade’s veteran played by late, John Randolph, a compatriot of her grandfather.

Your emails are welcomed begonya@begonyaplaza.com
EACH DVD COPY IS FOR $39.99 - SHIPPING INCLUDED.

Comments

[Nickolas Garatea]

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.