One year on from September 11 2001, the after-effects of that day continue to affect all our lives but the date also has another, and earlier, significance in world events and international relations. On the same day in 1973, Salvador Allende, the democratically-elected President of Chile, was overthrown and died in a violent, American-backed coup, led by General Augusto Pinochet, that began nearly twenty years of military dictatorship and led to thousands of deaths.

Chilean film-maker Patricio Guzman observed this devastating transition first-hand and recorded the entire process in his masterpiece, the documentary trilogy 'The Battle of Chile', made in collaboration with the legendary Chris Marker. Not seen in its entirety in the UK for many years, it remains an essential work of great importance and influence: filmically, politically and as a unique record of a pivotal moment in late 20th century history.

"Not only the best films about Allende and the coup d’etat, but among the best documentary films ever made, changing our concepts of political documentary within a framework accessible to the widest audience. The films (which form a unity) are committed, analytical and chronological, allowing the participants in history to explain it. The result is of an extraordinary passion". - from Time Out

Alongside the screening and as part of a day of events marking the anniversary of the coup, international journalists, actors, film-makers and commentators will celebrate the lasting example of the Chilean revolution and people, while also considering the role and nature of cultural resistance today. Among them will be veteran Latin American Correspondent Hugh O'Shaughnessy, who was both a friend of the late President Allende and was present in Santiago at the time of the coup.

The Battle of Chile (‘Batalla de Chile’) (Patricio Guzman, 1973, Chile) Part I: ‘The Insurrection of the Bourgeoisie; Part 2: ‘The Coup d’Etat’; Part 3: ‘The Power of the People’. 106/99/97 mins. b/w.

Tickets: £5 (on the door)
Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, WC1R 4RL (nearest tube: Holborn)

For further info phone The LUX on 0207 503 3980