The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (2003)
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (Spanish: La revolución no será transmitida), also known as Chávez: Inside the Coup, is a 2003 Irish documentary film that dives into the tumultuous events in Venezuela leading up to and during the April 2002 coup d’état attempt. During this pivotal moment, President Hugo Chávez was temporarily removed from office for two days.
The film provides a gripping account of these critical events, with a particular focus on the role played by Venezuela’s private media. Here are the key incidents explored in the documentary:
- Protest March and Violence: The film captures the protest march and subsequent violence that fueled the momentum for Chávez’s ousting. The streets of the capital, Caracas, become a battleground as tensions escalate.
- Opposition’s Interim Government: The opposition swiftly forms an interim government led by business leader Pedro Carmona. This administration aims to replace Chávez during his absence.
- Collapse of the Carmona Administration: As the Carmona administration takes charge, the film closely follows its actions and decisions. However, internal divisions and mounting pressure led to its eventual collapse, paving the way for Chávez’s triumphant return.
The filmmakers, Kim Bartley and Donnacha Ó Briain, had unprecedented access to Chávez himself. They spent seven months in Venezuela, shadowing the president, interviewing ordinary citizens, and capturing the unfolding drama. When the coup erupted on April 11, they documented the chaos and political upheavals both on the streets and inside the Miraflores presidential palace.
Originally intending to create a fly-on-the-wall biography of Chávez, Bartley and Ó Briain shifted their focus to the coup attempt as events unfolded. Their proximity to key moments provides a riveting narrative, even though the film lacks broader context. Despite any biases, the documentary remains a powerful testament to the fragility of democracy and the media’s influence during times of crisis.
The film received critical acclaim and won several awards, highlighting its unique perspective and gripping storytelling. Through this lens, viewers gain insight into the high-stakes political struggle that unfolded in Venezuela during those pivotal days in 2002.
