The Tiger's Milk – Women of Nicaragua
In 1979, when the people of Nicaragua overthrew the Somoza dictatorship they were left with a country in ruins. Since then, great advances have been made to rebuild the country in education, healthcare, land reform, trades union work and women's rights. Because of these achievements, Nicaragua is seen as a threat, as it stands as an alternative and independent example to its neighbouring countries. For this reason, the US government has made the destabilisation of Nicaragua a priority.
The testimonies and photographs in this film are taken from the book 'The Tiger's Milk'. The film consists almost exclusively of black and white still photographs. A single voice over reads extracts of interviews made with women from different backgrounds and varying degrees of involvement with the political changes. Without being able to identify with any single individual we are made aware of a strong sense of solidarity among the women of Nicaragua and their relationship to the revolution, to men and to each other. As women leave behind isolation and exploitation they begin to organise collectively. Their emancipation is seen as integral to Nicaragua's revolutionary process.
Description source: Circles catalogue (1987). Edited by Jenny Holland and Jane Harris.