Contemporary Peruvian Cinema: History, Identity and Violence on Screen

The political violence erupting near the end of the 20th century between the Peruvian state and communist militant group Sendero Luminoso, or ’Shining Path’, left an indelible mark on the country that is still evident today. This study focuses on representations of the guerrilla group on screen, and what this can tell us about the relationship between state, cinema and identity in Peru. The book provides in-depth analyses of the pivotal films from the 1980s through to the present day, that interpret the landmark events, characters and consequences that threatened to destabilise the nation. Setting the films in the context of a time of turbulent transition for both Peruvian society and also cinema – addressing developments in film policy and production – it reveals the attempts by creatives to reflect, shape, define and contest the Peruvian national identity of a fractured population. By addressing important themes such as identity and memory, politics and policy, and cultural responses to terrorism, chapters not only explore the local perception of the nation, but also highlight links to other cinematic movements in Latin America as well as global issues. Featuring the powerful work of filmmakers such as Francisco Lombardi, Claudia Llosa, Fabrizio Aguilar and Josué Méndez, Sarah Barrow’s astute investigation of the growing success and political importance of the industry’s output trace the complexities of modern Peruvian history.