Regarding “South of the Border”

Oliver Stone’s documentary, “South of the Border,” has been witheringly criticized since its release in selected cities on June 25th. Still showing in some theaters, the film continues to spark debate. The controversy surrounding the documentary, however, came as no surprise, as “South of the Border” was created with the intention of being a revisionist film, praising leftist Latin American governments (namely those of Hugo Chávez and others that practice 21st Century Socialism) frequently criticized by the American media and government. Given the subject matter, harsh scrutiny of the Stone film was to be expected, but what remains to be examined is whether or not the criticisms are deserved. The answer, of course, is multifaceted.

“South of the Border” mainly focuses on the actions and rhetoric of Hugo Chávez, highlighting the positive initiatives of his government, such as his effort to combat poverty and lack of development through redistribution of the country’s oil wealth. Through interviews with Stone, Chávez is portrayed as benevolent and hardworking, an image almost completely contradictory to his depiction in the American media. After glorifying the Chávez government, the film goes on the road and introduces viewers to leftist leaders across the region, many of whom Chávez has inspired (the notable exception here is Raúl Castro of Cuba, who continues the revolution of his brother, but not without significant changes). These leaders¬—Evo Morales of Bolivia, Néstor and Cristina Kirchner of Argentina, Fernando Lugo of Paraguay, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, and Rafael Correa of Ecuador—offer up similar messages, but with a different pitch. Prompted by the failings of neoliberal policies in their countries and years of exclusionist elite control, these precursors knew it was time for change in Latin America. Change meant a turn (of some degree) to the left, and adopting principles of Chávez’ Bolivarian Revolution.

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This analysis was prepared by COHA Research Associate Carly Steinberger