The Trial

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A tour de force of political filmmaking, The Trial serves as a chilling record of the first major prosecution of crimes against humanity since the Nuremberg Trials — a film that demands we listen, remember, and never forget.

Director Ulises de la Orden meticulously crafts the film from over 500 hours of raw material, distilling it into a gripping, layered montage. The film places viewers in the courtroom as nine former military officers — including Argentina's notorious former president, Jorge Rafael Videla — face trial. Through patient observation, the documentary showcases heart-wrenching testimonies from victims and families of the desaparecidos (the "disappeared"), painting an unflinching portrait of the atrocities they endured.

The defense justifies their actions as part of a "dirty war" against leftist terrorism, but the prosecutor’s legendary closing argument, punctuated by the powerful words ""¡Nunca más!"" (Never Again), becomes a resounding call for justice.

“CRITIC'S PICK. Ulises de la Orden's conscientious documentary is a necessary act of memory — for such is the only way justice truly endures... [A] respectful, smartly abridged account... The testimony by dignified witnesses from all walks of life is gripping... [The film] offers a stirring universal example of justice served, at a time when so many American voters fear the prospect of an authoritarian president already impeached once for inciting an insurrection.” – Nicolas Rapold, The New York Times

“Unexpectedly cinematic. Compulsively watchable.” – Darren Hughes, Filmmaker Magazine

“El Juicio plays like a memory transmitted from one generation to another.” – Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Reverse Shot

“A compelling narration of atrocities that were "difficult to imagine before and to understand afterwards," as prosecutor Julio César Strassera put it in his memorable closing argument, and of the trial that attempted such a colossal task.” – Clara Miranda Scherffig, Screen Slate

“Argentine director Ulises de la Orden went through 530 hours of historical footage to craft a moving edit of one of the most important Latin American trials. Going right to the source itself… a carefully curated and emotional supercut of the actual archive material. (The director) does not let the culprits steal the narrative. He is more interested in the victims. There is a powerful anonymity to the testimonies. They stand for the many unheard, the many lost. There is a sense of people seeking justice and accountability.” – Susanne Gottlieb, Cineuropa

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Main credits

Orden, Ulises de la (film director)
Orden, Ulises de la (screenwriter)
Copans, Richard (film producer)

Other credits

Cinematography, Pablo Parra; editing, Alberto Ponce.

MARC Record See Worldcat record

Keywords

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