SOL PRODUCTIONS IN VENEZUELA, INC. 2007

OFFICIAL REVIEWS AND COMMENTS ON THE FILM
Thank you everyone who helped put this tour together, who hosted us as we traveled the country.
"This movie will generate lively discussions in the classroom... It's a rare insight into Venezuela's political polarization."
-Javier Corrales, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Amherst College

"The movie presented a very balanced account of what occurred during the electoral year of 2006. I would use it in one of my classes!" -Leonardo Vivas, Author, "Chavez: The Last Revolution of the 20th Century"

"What is missing in Venezuela is the open exchange of ideas and opinions and discussions of compromise. Your film is the first step towards that goal." -Jose, student, Harvard University

"Sincere" -Pedro, student, Harvard University

"Me gustó muchísimo ... Parece que Moore es el apellido preciso para los excelentes documentalistas políticos de EEUU."
Gioconda Espina, Profesora, Universidad Central de Venezuela

"[The film] gave an insight of Venezuela generally not available in the mainstream media” -Peter Barton, President of the Grimshaw Club, London School of Economics

“'Puedo Hablar?' is by far the best film I have seen on the Chavez era in Venezuela. Far too often documentary filmmakers and the mainstream media portray the extremes in contemporary Venezuela and such work becomes slanted towards hard core Chavistas or hard core opposition. The film demonstrates that Venezuelan reality is not so black and white, but much more complex. Using a combination of interviews with politicians, academics, and common Venezuelans throughout Venezuela, the film shows a politically and socially engaged population, but not a politically blind one. The film examines why significant support for and opposition to Chavez exists among Venezuelans while analyzing the complex variables that shape a wide variety of political and social views. As far as I know, no other documentary film tackles these issues as well as this film.... In discussions after screenings, Chris demonstrates that he is truly a professional. He understands the political and social contexts fundamental to both films so that he can answer questions on a variety of topics, not just film technique."
-Kim Morse, Dept. of History, Washburn University

"A compelling, 'must-see' documentary for everyone who wants to know what is happening in Venezuela right now."
-Jose Torrealba, Providence Latin American Film Festival

"What a joy to be a part of!" -Brooke Lundy, University of Utah.

"A fitting contribution to the alternative coverage of Venezuelan politics...Undermines the biased portrayals of Chavez put forth by major media outlets while also avoiding the trap of romanticizing Chavez as the answer to Latin America's problems... The Political programs pursued by leaders like Chavez... deserve to be critically examined, as they are in these films." -NACLA (North American Congress on Latin America)

"I was very impressed. Remains distant from all the cliches and misunderstandings about Venezuela typified by US media, politicians and academics across the political spectrum. A must-see for any progressive in the U.S." -Juan Pablo Lupi, UC-Santa Barbara

"A multifaceted and very human perspective on contemporary Venezuela. A learning experience for all." -Robert Stitler, Stetson University

"Fresh, insightful, and polemic. Students loved it!" -Ariel Armony, Colby College

"The film has excellent production value and provides a strong introduction to the multiplicity of perspectives that surrounded Hugo Chavez' reelection as Venezuelan president in 2006... Two thumbs up!" -Ernesto Capello, University of Vermont

"The film makers did an excellent job allowing Venezuelans to speak for themselves... Delightfully fresh and informative." -Heather McCrea, Kansas State University

"Rich in the variety of voices it brings to the fore about the relationships between power, social justice, and cultural difference."-Barbara Riess, Alegheny College

"A very compelling documentary" -Churchill Roberts, The Documentary Institute, University of Florida

"The best film on Chavez and Venezuela that I've seen." -Ruben Stern, Tufts University Latino Center

"A must-see film for anyone who wants to get a clear picture of current Venezuelan politics."-Rhonda Buchanana, University of Louisville

"The kinds of stories we need to hear more about and the kinds of films we need to make more of... Don't watch if you'd rather stay uninvolved and disinterested."-Aggie, student, University of Georgia

"Committed to the issues facing Venezuela today, but not partial to any of the readymade interpretations that so often cloud the debate regarding the Bolivarian revolution. Instead it chooses to explore from within and let the many voices of Venezuelan society speak for themselves... An engaging documentary film that is eloquent without being verbose, 'Puedo Hablar' depicts the problem of polarization of present-day Venezuela, the challenges and contradictions of the revolutionary process, the day to day plight of Venezuela's poor majority, the new faces of political participation under Chavez and the limits of traditional parties to engage with the current electoral landscape. Perhaps what is most valuable about 'Puedo Hablar' is its appeal to dialogue as political action." -Carlos Lagorio, University Simon Bolivar (Venezuela)

"This movie will generate lively discussions in the classroom. It's a rare insight into Venezuela's political polarization." -Javier Corrales, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Amherst College

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