Event description
The film will be followed by a question-and-answer session with Paula Leonvendagar, the director.
Synopsis
In 2005, the long-lost remains of Diego Portales, one of Chile’s most divisive leaders, were discovered during renovations of Santiago’s Metropolitan Cathedral. The principle architect of Chile’s Constitution of 1833, which established a strong central government dominated by the conservative oligarchy, Portales never became president, yet wielded dictatorial power from behind the scenes. After his assassination in 1837, Portales became a political reference point, considered a Founding Father by some and a cruel dictator by others. “Portales: The Last Letter” narrates the process of excavating and identifying Portales’ remains and explores his significance for Chile. 68 minutes. Spanish with English subtitles.