The Making of Salud y Solidaridad

Following the screening, there will be a discussion led by Mike Valance, an anarchist from the Scottish Zapatistas Solidarity Group, who arranged for the film to be made, and the filmmakers Camcorder Guerillas.

This new film documents the struggle of the people of zapatista autonomous municipality “16th February” to construct their own health clinic, run by and for the community.  In their own words the local indigenous people describe the need for an autonomous health care system, detailing the serious health problems they face in the Highlands of Chiapas, Mexico.

Mike Valance is a founder member of the Scottish Zapatistas Solidarity Group which is twinned with the 16 Febrero Automomous Municipality in Chiapas.  Mike is a regular visitor to the Chiapas region.  The twinning supports the Zapatistas struggle for liberty, democracy and justice for all the indigenous people of Mexico.

Scottish Zapatista Solidarity Group provided materials to build the health centre featured in the film and they now contribute to its running costs. The twinning has also established fair trade links between the Zapatistas in the 16 Febrero Autonomous Municipality and Scottish Solidarity groups who sell their crafts and coffee. They help support schools and craft collectives in over 40 indigenous villages.

Since 2003 The Camcorder Guerillas have been making hard-hitting, entertaining and award winning films on various social justice issues that are affecting our local communities.  Based in Glasgow, Scotland we are a voluntary collective with a strong membership of skilled individual who are committed to making high quality video tools for groups and individuals campaigning on social justice issues. The Collective also hosts regular screenings showcasing the very best of local and international films dealing with human rights and social justice issues.