

Directed by Pablo de la Barra, Queridos compañeros (1977) is a Chilean-Venezuelan political drama that delves into the fervent revolutionary movements of the late 1960s. The film follows a group of young radical leftists that struggle to change the Chilean political status quo. The production of Queridos compañeros faced significant challenges, since filming started in 1973 but was abruptly halted due to the military coup in Chile that year. Director Pablo de la Barra managed to save the film's footage but lost the original audio tracks. In exile in Venezuela, he reconstructed the sound with the help of the original actors, completing the film in 1977. The film offers a poignant reflection on the aspirations and struggles of a generation striving for systemic change, providing insight into the political dynamics of Chile during a tumultuous period.
Status
Released
Original Language
ES

Santiago, capital of Chile during the Marxist government of elected, highly controversial president Salvador Allende. Father McEnroe supports his leftist views by introducing a program at the prestigious "collegio" (Catholic prep school) St. Patrick to allow free admission of some proletarian kids. One of them is Pedro Machuca, slum-raised son of the cleaning lady in Gonzalo Infante's liberal-bourgeois home. Yet the new classmates become buddies, paradoxically protesting together as Gonzalo gets adopted by Pedro's slum family and gang. But the adults spoil that too, not in the least when general Pinochet's coup ousts Allende, and supporters such as McEnroe.

Based on the journals of Che Guevara, leader of the Cuban Revolution. In his memoirs, Guevara recounts adventures he and best friend Alberto Granado had while crossing South America by motorcycle in the early 1950s.