Chile 50 years ago and today
Adult education centre: three-part series of events from 11 September
From 11 September, the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre is inviting interested parties to a three-part series of events in which the events in Chile in 1973 will be remembered and the subsequent development of the country to the present day will be examined. September 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the military coup in Chile. Participation in the events is free of charge. Registration is possible by telephone on 0371 488 4343 or online at the links provided.
The military coup and its consequences. Report of an eyewitness
Monday, 11 September, 7 to 8.30 pm, in the TIETZ, course room 4.07
Link to registration: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2310120
In the opening event, Lily Böhm, a Chilean who now lives in Chemnitz, will report on how she experienced the military coup and her subsequent exile in the GDR as an eyewitness.
Background: On 11 September 1973, a military coup overthrew the democratically elected government of Salvador Allende in Chile. The military bombed the government palace in the capital Santiago de Chile and took over the leadership of the state shortly afterwards. Salvador Allende takes his own life. This marks the beginning of a momentous era of dictatorship for Chile. The new ruler, Augusto Pinochet, had political opponents persecuted, tortured and imprisoned, banned political parties, censorship and violence against critics prevailed. Over 2,000 people were executed and over 1,000 were "disappeared" (desaparecidos) by the regime. Almost a quarter of a million Chileans fled into exile, 2,000 of whom settled in the GDR.
Chile during the dictatorship and Chile today
Monday, 18 September, 7 to 8.30 pm, TIETZ, course room 4.07
Link to registration: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2310130
In the second event, Chilean sociologist and political scientist Stefano Palestini will talk about the current situation in Chile, the challenges facing the government of current President Gabriel Boric and the future of the country. In addition, Ana Albornoz, who was born in Chile and now lives in Chemnitz, will describe what it was like to grow up during the military dictatorship and experience the processes of democratic change as a teenager.
Background: As a general, Augusto Pinochet led the coup in Chile in 1973 and then overran the country as dictator with bloody state terror for 17 years. Chile only returned to democracy in 1990 and has retained it to this day.
Film and discussion: "My grandfather Salvador Allende"
Monday, 25.09.23, 19:00 to 20:30, TIETZ, course room 4.07
Link to registration: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2310140
The final event is dedicated to the person of Salvador Allende. The documentary film "My Grandfather Salvador Allende" will be shown, in which Marcia Tambutti Allende paints a multi-layered and differentiated picture of her grandfather that goes beyond the official portrayals of the politician.
Background: Marcia Tambutti Allende began her research 45 years after the coup and came up against taboos and silence in her own family. Her relatives were very reluctant to talk about the past. Nevertheless, Marcia Tambutti Allende persevered with her research and created a document that adds a private, emotional perspective to the historical picture of the democratic president in a personal way. The film was released in cinemas in 2018, lasts 98 minutes and is shown in the original language with German subtitles. There will be an opportunity for a discussion after the film.
The series of events is co-financed by tax funds on the basis of the budget approved by the Saxon state parliament.