The WVU Public Relations Student Society of America will present a film and discussion on Monday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. in G20 Ming Hsieh Hall. The WVU Perley Issac Reed School of Journalism will co-sponsor the event.
The documentary, Las Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo and the Search for Identity, tells the story of Argentina’s “Dirty War,” when a military dictatorship controlled the country. From 1976-1983, human rights advocates estimate as many as 30,000 people were tortured and killed, 500 of whom were pregnant women or new mothers.
In many cases, it is believed the babies born to these women were taken away and given to supporters of the military. The film shares the story of a group of women, Las Abuelas (the grandmothers), who have made it their life’s mission to find these children, many of whom are now in their 30s.
Through more than 40 in-depth interviews, historical material and relevant literature, C.A Tuggle, executive producer of the film and the director of the journalism program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, seek to educate people about what happened in Argentina and the ongoing work of Las Abuelas. Tuggle’s effort is supported by his two daughters Brynne Miller and Bethany Parker, along with the help of several others affiliated with University of North Carolina.
Following the documentary, audience members will engage in a Q&A session via SKYPE with the producers of the film.
Visit the project website at http://searchforidentitydocumentary.com/.
This event is free and open to the public.