Movies

After the Cuban Revolution triumphed in 1959, three guerrilla fighters joined Che Guevara on his mission to ignite a popular uprising beyond the Caribbean island. En route, two indigenous Bolivians joined the close-knit group of revolutionaries. After an unexpected ambush and a final battle resulting in Che's CIA-assisted execution in 1967, these fighters are forced to flee Bolivia. An incredible journey lay ahead of them, during which they crossed more than 2,400 kilometres of hostile, rugged terrain while being pursued by 4,000 soldiers, paramilitary troops, and Cold War spies.

Sixty years later, Che’s last surviving comrades reflect on their experiences and share with us the untold story of their perseverance, courage, and loyalty. Their individual destinies were shaped by the geopolitical currents of the Cold War and their failed attempt to establish a Marxist revolution across the Third World. This poignant history lesson is conveyed through the intricate interweaving of diverse audiovisual materials, including relevant archival footage, impressionistic animated sequences and subtle yet incisive narration by Vincent Lindon. Remarkable interviews with living witnesses to history, who until now have never had the opportunity to speak in depth about their extraordinary adventure and the tragic loss of their beloved comrade and dearly missed friend — the man behind the revolutionary icon that Che became after his death — are also included.

It is a fascinating odyssey through a 'time of embers', when the only light could be seen on the horizon — the light evoked by Cuban poet José Martí, whom Che quotes in his celebrated Message to the Tricontinental, symbolising the rekindling of revolutionary fervour across all three continents of the Global South.

Following the screening, Subversive Festival Artistic Director Dina Pokrajac will talk to historian Bartul Čović.