Film Captures Mexico’s Flawed Media System

“Voces Silenciadas” (Silent Voices), a new documentary directed by Maria De Lara, was filmed to increase awareness of Mexico’s persecuted journalists and show the even greater problems of media ownership and the media’s relationship with political powers.

The film’s aesthetics did not receive top-notch ratings, but De Lara does include moving interviews with well-known Mexican journalists (including Carmen Aristegui), writers and media executives. De Lara makes the case that issues like violence against journalists and freedom of expression are in critical condition. A culture of “self-censorship” is developing as media workers who cover the government and organized crime must be cautious about the stories they cover because they could possibly jeopardize their lives.

The film shows “how concentrated media ownership in Mexico has reduced the range of opinions in Mexico’s media and silence[d] unwanted ones.” Two companies—Televisa and TV Azteca— control 92 percent of Mexican T.V. stations, dominating the media Mexican’s view. Because Mexicans have hardly any control of the news they can watch, the hope is for average Mexican citizens to watch this film and become more enlightened about the struggle going on around them. I think documentaries like this are a fantastic way to spread awareness and promote change, and change is definitely needed in order to increase Mexico’s media and press freedom.

Amy Eichenlaub (Mexico)