Roque Dalton is one of El Salvador's most celebrated poets, but he was also a revolutionary whose works were once banned in his own country.
ROQUE DALTON: LET'S SHOOT THE NIGHT! looks back on the life of this key figure in the movement resisting military dictatorship in El Salvador, and sheds new light on the circumstances of his murder, at age 39, by fellow revolutionaries.
Tina Leisch takes a unique approach to telling the story of Dalton's life, introducing us to nearly two dozen people who knew him-including his widow and two surviving sons, fellow writers, comrades, and lovers-and accompanies them to meaningful locations from his life. Dalton's work is also front-and-center in the film, with excerpts from his writings read by peers, family members, and people on the street.
ROQUE DALTON: LET'S SHOOT THE NIGHT! is a multi-faceted exploration not only of the life of one revolutionary writer, but also of the culture of social ferment that washed through Latin America in the late 20th century.
"Should serve to redress the historical and political maturity of a country in the process of social transformation."—El Tecolote
"A more than fitting homage."—Morning Star
"Very deeply emotional and resonates with every person who cares about the oppressed... excellent screen shots and sound... flows well. Recommended."—Educational Media Reviews Online
Best Documentary, 2014 Cine Las Americas International Film Festival, Austin
Best Documentary, 2014 Ojo Cojo International Film Festival, Madrid
Best Editing, 2014 CinemAvvenire Film Festival, Rome
Official Selection, 2015 Chicago Latino Film Festival
Official Selection, 2015 Latin American Studies Association Film Festival (LASA)