Spanish and Portuguese ETDs
Publication Date
Spring 5-15-2025
Abstract
This dissertation examines the interaction between liberation theology and the
dictatorships of the Southern Cone from the 1960s to the 1980s through cinematic
representation. Filmmakers from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay
depict the political upheavals of the time, including the rise of leftist movements,
military regimes, and the influence of liberation theology, a progressive religious
ideology advocating for the oppressed. The study focuses on what is defined here
as the "cinematic canon of liberation theology," a body of films and documentaries
that legitimize, contest, or obscure ideologies tied to this movement vis-à-vis the
dictatorships. These films contest the silence of church sectors that did not publicly
oppose dictatorships, legitimize the role of progressive churches’ support of the
poor and dissidents, and contest the persecution and torture of religious and
civilian dissidents. The films also obscure both progressive and conservative
church ideologies while preserving the historical memory of unresolved dictatorial
crimes.
Degree Name
Spanish & Portuguese (PhD)
Level of Degree
Doctoral
Department Name
Spanish and Portuguese
First Committee Member (Chair)
Miguel López, PhD
Second Committee Member
Kimberle López, PhD
Third Committee Member
Eleuterio Santiago-Díaz, PhD
Fourth Committee Member
Edgardo A. Colón-Emeric, PhD
Language
Spanish
Keywords
teología de la liberación, cinematografía, justicia social, Cono Sur, dictaduras
Document Type
Dissertation
Recommended Citation
Martínez, Marcial. "Imágenes de silencio, compromiso, persecución y tortura: la teología de la liberación y su encrucijada con las dictaduras del Cono Sur desde una presentación cinematográfica." (2025). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/span_etds/164
Included in
Latin American Languages and Societies Commons, Latin American Literature Commons, New Religious Movements Commons, Other Film and Media Studies Commons
