 |
Fernando SolanasArgentine director, screenwriter, producer and artist
Date of Birth: 16.02.1936
Country:  Argentina |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Filmmaking Debut and Grupo Cine Liberación
- Exile and Return
- Political Activism and Filmmaking
- Later Career and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Fernando Solanas was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He pursued studies in theatre, music, and law before embarking on his cinematic career.
Filmmaking Debut and Grupo Cine Liberación
Solanas made his short film debut in 1962 with "Seguir andando." In 1968, he directed and produced the groundbreaking documentary "The Hour of the Furnaces," which examined violence and neocolonialism in Latin America. The film garnered international recognition, winning awards at Venice, Cannes, and Berlin film festivals.
Solanas played a pivotal role in the Grupo Cine Liberación (GCL), a movement that revolutionized Argentine cinema in the 1970s. The GCL focused on social and political issues, introducing a new realism to Argentinian filmmaking. Along with Octavio Getino, Solanas penned the "Toward a Third Cinema" manifesto, advocating for a distinct type of filmmaking in developing countries.
Exile and Return
In 1976, Solanas fled to Paris due to political persecution. He returned to Argentina in 1983 after the country transitioned to democracy.
Political Activism and Filmmaking
Solanas actively expressed his political views, criticizing Carlos Menem and supporting Juan Perón. His activism drew threats and an attempted kidnapping, but he refused to be silenced. He continued to make political films, even after an actor in one of his projects was murdered.
In 1991, Solanas was shot six times in the legs, but he remained undeterred. He became a Buenos Aires senator in 1992 and was elected to the Argentine Chamber of Deputies in 1993 and 2009.
Later Career and Legacy
Solanas continued to make films in the new millennium, including "The Dignity of Nobody" (2005) and "The Last Station" (2008). His son, Juan Solanas, also became a renowned filmmaker.
In 2007, Solanas ran for president on the Socialist Party ticket. He was elected to the Argentine Chamber of Deputies again in 2009, representing the Proyecto Sur party.
Fernando Solanas's legacy as a filmmaker, activist, and politician continues to inspire generations of Argentinians. His work challenged the status quo and shed light on the struggles faced by his country and the region.
