Greetings!
Chilean
Professor Beatriz Manz, a comanding force within the Center for Latin American Studies department (CLAS) at UC Berkeley, has asked me to inform you about this upcoming CLAS event. On her behalf, I apologize for getting this information to you at such short notice, however,
Joyce Horman just confirmed her participation at the screening. She will be addressing the audience via Skype.
Missing (1982) is based on the true story of North American journalist
Charles Horman's disappearance, days after the U.S backed coup d'état of September 11, 1973, in Chile. The film, directed by
Costa Gavras, stars two major Hollywood actors,
Jack Lemmon (in the role of Charles Horman's father) and
Sissy Spacek (in the role of Charles Horman's wife).
Charles Horman's widow,
Joyce Horman, now heads the
Charles Horman Truth Foundation, Seeking Full Truth Through Litigation.In 1982, I was studying Media Communications at Laney College, and doing an internship at KTVU-Channel 2, Oakland. I remember that Missing caused quite a stir in the United States, most specifically within the State Department, which issued a written statement condemning the film for its depiction of the US government. At the time, United States citizens had blind faith in their government and its protection of its citizens abroad, under any circumstances.
New York Times film critic Vincent Canby, touched on the subject in his 1982 review of the film.
Working at KTVU-2, and being Chilean, I was offered the opportunity to report on a gathering with Charles Horman's parents, Ed and Elizabeth Horman, held at a private home in the East Bay Hills. I specifically remember two remarks from Ed Horman. He told the audience that his daughter-in-law, Joyce Horman (the character played by Sissy Spacek) had become very politically active after her husband's disappearance. This did not surprise me. What did surprise me was that Ed Horman said that in spite of what had happened in Chile to his son under US government official's command, he could not bring himself to publicly denounce the United States government. I often reflect on why Ed Horman made such a statement. Elizabeth Horman, Charles' mother, said very little at the reception.
Hope to see you at the screening!
Sincerely,
Paula Tejeda
Chile Lindo
