People of the Shining Path -- Dispatches Documentary (1992)
This documentary, created in 1992, takes an in-depth look at the Peruvian people that were a part of the Shining Path. The documentary, made by the Award Winning BBC Investigative journalist program, was able to interview individuals that were a part of the group, getting first hand information of their beliefs and tactics. It shows the destruction that the group caused by selected executions, murders, and the fighting against the Peruvian military.
People of the Shining Path also addresses the Peruvian military and how they abused human rights of their citizens. In parts of Peru where Shining Path members were suspected the government burned homes, massacred many, and suppressed all protest. By 2003, the Truth and Reconciliation commission had investigated the 20 year conflict, finally reporting that over 69,000 citizens and fighters were killed over the time period.
The violence that the documentary shows caused many to turn to the Shining Path and the ideas of communism for protection and support. At the height of the struggle and revolutionary violence, the group had between 10,000 and 15,000 members. In the mountainous and impoverished areas, the Shining Path was able to gain more support because of the small political presence of the government.
This documentary is a great primary source because it interviews real participants in the groups, as well as military officials and citizens to gain an unbiased perspective. The video really focuses on expressing every actor's views and ideals, while also providing real footage of the horrors that many endured during the 20 years.
People of the Shining Path also addresses the Peruvian military and how they abused human rights of their citizens. In parts of Peru where Shining Path members were suspected the government burned homes, massacred many, and suppressed all protest. By 2003, the Truth and Reconciliation commission had investigated the 20 year conflict, finally reporting that over 69,000 citizens and fighters were killed over the time period.
The violence that the documentary shows caused many to turn to the Shining Path and the ideas of communism for protection and support. At the height of the struggle and revolutionary violence, the group had between 10,000 and 15,000 members. In the mountainous and impoverished areas, the Shining Path was able to gain more support because of the small political presence of the government.
This documentary is a great primary source because it interviews real participants in the groups, as well as military officials and citizens to gain an unbiased perspective. The video really focuses on expressing every actor's views and ideals, while also providing real footage of the horrors that many endured during the 20 years.