The Impact of Primera
“The time is ripe to activate an exchange of ideas across the hemisphere.”
Editor: Fredy Chica
Women on the Frontlines
Across the Americas and the Caribbean we have witnessed a rising tide of women movement leaders from Black and LGBTQI communities taking valiant steps in the fight for racial and economic justice. Working-class women in Puerto Rico are fighting for income equity and a return of their lands; indigenous women in Chile are organizing successful land-back campaigns; Black women in both regions have centered the value of Black lives in the fight against police brutality. In Chile, these values were woven into a new constitution, where women had a central role in the process.
Yet, within a peace and security framework, women in the Americas and the Caribbean continue to be subjected to smear campaigns, police surveillance, imprisonment, and violence. Dominant media narratives seldom, if ever, reference the political currents being led by women across the hemisphere. Moreover, existing narratives do not connect their shared histories and experiences. The time is ripe to highlight the challenges they confront, the strategies for change they have developed, and celebrate their triumphs.
Chile, North America, and Puerto Rico
We made this film for two reasons: 1) Document the historic events leading to the writing of a constitution by Chile’s people, and 2) Inspire Black, Brown and Indigenous communities across the world to consider alternative ways of organizing and instigating structural change. Subsequently, our impact campaign illuminates the leadership of women in orchestrating politically transformative movements.
The campaign consists of a series of 30-day in-person knowledge exchanges among frontline movement organizers across the Americas and the Caribbean. The knowledge exchanges are curated by the Primera team, grassroots organizations and collectives at each of the participating regions. Activities include community film screenings of Primera, workshops on best practices for structural change via mutual aid and direct action campaigns, and immersive community tours.
Thus far, the knowledge exchanges have taken place across Chile, the US, and Puerto Rico.
