Remembering The 1968 Tlatelolco Massacre

Echoes of Resistance: Remembering the 1968 Tlatelolco Massacre Through Testimonies of Violence and Defiance The events of the 1968 Tlatelolco massacre remain etched in the collective memory of Mexico as a sombre testament to the brutality of state-sponsored violence against student protestors. Elena Poniatowska's Massacre in Mexico and Leobardo López Arretche's El Grito both stand as powerful works seeking to illuminate the depths of this tragic chapter in Mexican history. Through distinct narrative forms, Poniatowska and Arretche offer insights into the impact of violence, weaving together personal testimonies and cinematic storytelling to convey the horror and resilience witnessed during those frightening days. Poniatowska's Massacre in Mexico

In one scene of the documentary, the protestors hold up an empty coffin on which it is written, “EMPTY COFFIN! THE ARMY HAS INCINERATED THE BODIES” (Arretch 32:06). This is then followed by the protestors adding to the flames of a gorilla, representing the Mexican Army, they had lit on fire (32:27). Although Arretche acknowledges the initial violence of the military, he also notes the violence of the students. However, their violence does not mean to harm others, but means to bring forward their violent need for change. Through his portrayal of the students' protests and resistance, Arretche conveys a sense of hope and defiance, suggesting that even in the face of overwhelming odds, when change is necessary, there will always be people to fight for it. In this way, violence becomes not only a tool of repression but also a symbol of resistance and resilience, highlighting the students' unwavering commitment to their cause. In conclusion, the narratives presented by Poniatowska Arretche offer profound insights into the brutality and significance of the 1968 Tlatelolco