The Panama Deception (1992)
The Panama Deception is a 1992 American documentary film that critically examines the 1989 United States invasion of Panama. Directed by Barbara Trent and narrated by actress Elizabeth Montgomery, the film sheds light on the events leading up to the invasion, the devastating impact it had, and the subsequent aftermath.
The documentary challenges the official narrative surrounding the invasion. It argues that the true motivation was not merely to remove Manuel Noriega, the Panamanian dictator, from power due to his indictment in U.S. courts on racketeering and drug trafficking charges. Instead, the film contends that the invasion aimed to prevent the scheduled retrocession of the Panama Canal Zone to Panama, as agreed upon in the Torrijos–Carter Treaties. The U.S. government allegedly sought to maintain control over the strategically vital canal.
The Panama Deception highlights several critical points:
- Media Bias: The film exposes media bias within the United States, revealing events that were either unreported or systematically misreported. It emphasizes the downplaying of civilian casualties during the invasion.
- Mass Graves and Destruction: The documentary includes footage of mass graves uncovered after American troops withdrew. Burned-down neighborhoods and the aftermath of the conflict are vividly depicted.
- Experimental Weapons: Allegations of the use of experimental weapons, including secret laser technology, are explored.
- Refugees: The film portrays the plight of the 20,000 refugees who fled the fighting.
Despite its critical stance, The Panama Deception won the 1992 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. The documentary was banned in Panama, and even in the United States, the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) prohibited its broadcast. However, some individual PBS member stations defied the ban and aired it anyway.
