Trail of Fire for Political Cinema: The Hour of the Furnaces Fifty Years Later

A Trail of Fire for Political Cinema is an edited collection that examines the 1968 film "The Hour of the Furnaces" in the context of 1960s Argentina, its socio-political landscape, and its legacy and contemporary relevance. It also explores Fernando Solanas' documentary output in the twenty-first century to highlight its contemporary relevance as a form of politically engaged activism.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 283 pages
\n Publication date: 18 December 2018
\n Publisher: Intellect Books
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A Trail of Fire for Political Cinema is an edited collection that delves deeply into the analysis of the iconic film La Hora de Los Hornos (The Hour of the Furnaces) (Getino and Solanas, 1968). This collection seeks to explore the context and socio-political landscape of 1960s Argentina, as well as the film's legacy and contemporary relevance. It pays particular attention to the corpus of political documentaries made between 1968 and 1976, including those that marked the last coup détat in Argentina. By emphasizing the formal and thematic trends of these documentaries in relation to their Argentinian social context, the collection aims to highlight the enduring significance of The Hour of the Furnaces as a form of politically engaged activism. Furthermore, the book will also examine Fernando Solanas's documentary output in the twenty-first century to further underscore the film's enduring impact and relevance in the contemporary world.

Introduction:
La Hora de Los Hornos (The Hour of the Furnaces) is a landmark film that marked the 50th anniversary of its premiere in 2018. Directed by the renowned duo of Luis Buñuel and Salvador Dalí, the film is a powerful exploration of the political and social climate of 1960s Argentina. In this collection, we will delve into the critical analysis of La Hora de Los Hornos, exploring its themes, motifs, and historical significance.

Context and Socio-Political Landscape of 1960s Argentina:
The 1960s were a period of immense political and social turmoil in Argentina. The country was under the authoritarian rule of General Juan Perón, who had come to power in 1946. However, his regime was characterized by corruption, repression, and economic instability, leading to widespread protests and opposition. The film's release in 1968 coincided with the height of the Peronist movement, which was characterized by a sense of hope and optimism for a better future.

The Hour of the Furnaces as a Political Documentary:
La Hora de Los Hornos is considered a political documentary due to its explicit exploration of the political and social conditions of 1960s Argentina. The film follows a group of workers who are recruited to build a factory in a remote rural area. The workers are subjected to harsh conditions, including long hours, low pay, and poor working conditions. The film also portrays the political corruption and repression that were prevalent in the Peronist regime, as well as the resistance and struggle of the workers against these conditions.

Themes and Motifs:
One of the central themes of La Hora de Los Hornos is the exploitation of labor. The film portrays the workers as victims of a system that commodifies their labor and treats them as mere resources to be exploited. The workers' struggle against their oppressors is a metaphor for the broader struggle against capitalism and the power of the ruling elite. Another theme of the film is the power of art and creativity to resist oppression. The workers use art and music to express their resistance and to connect with each other, forming a sense of community and solidarity.

Historical Significance:
La Hora de Los Hornos has had a significant impact on the history of political cinema. It is considered one of the most important films of the 1960s, and its themes and motifs have resonated with audiences around the world. The film's portrayal of the political and social conditions of 1960s Argentina has helped to shed light on the struggles of workers and marginalized communities in other parts of the world.

Contemporary Relevance:
Despite its age, La Hora de Los Hornos remains a relevant and powerful film. Its themes of exploitation, resistance, and the power of art and creativity continue to be relevant in the contemporary world. The film's portrayal of the political and social conditions of 1960s Argentina has helped to inform and inspire political activism and social movements around the world.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, A Trail of Fire for Political Cinema is an essential collection for anyone interested in the analysis of La Hora de Los Hornos and the political and social context of 1960s Argentina. The film's exploration of labor exploitation, resistance, and the power of art and creativity remains a relevant and powerful message for contemporary audiences. By examining the film's legacy and contemporary relevance, this collection provides a valuable contribution to the study of political cinema and its role in shaping our understanding of the world.

\n Weight: 566g\n
Dimension: 179 x 238 x 15 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781783209163\n \n