On the last day of this intensive week, the event on the topic of Cordones Industriales in Chile will take place with a film screening about its historical experience, followed by a discussion round.

In view of the global rise of the extreme right, there is an urgent need to revisit lesser-known experiences of worker self-organisation such as the Cordones Industriales in Chile (1972–1973, ‘Network of Industrial Workers for the Defence of the Unidad Popular’) must be revisited.  In response to the boycott by employers and far-right groups, the workers occupied the factories, organised themselves territorially and collaborated with other local actors.

With this event, we want to draw attention to these historical experiences and initiate a cross-generational dialogue that critically examines the present in the current political climate, which is marked by the rise of right-wing extremism and the resurgence of imperialism. How can the political actions and resistance of the past inspire us again today?

Documentary film Cordones Industriales (2016)
Directed by Valeria Yáñez and Ana López
Duration: 28’. In Spanish with English subtitles.

Based on the connection between historical research and scenic art, a group of actresses and historians research the Cordones Industriales. The research includes exploring historical sites and meeting with the protagonists of the process.

Rethinking resistance: How the past shapes our political actions today.

Dr Evelyn Hevia Jordán (Rayuela Collective) and Renata Puelma (Tarea Urgente) will moderate the subsequent discussion in an intergenerational and topical dialogue with Valeria Yáñez, director of the play and documentary film, and José Giribás (tbc), former member of the Cordones Industriales during the Unidad Popular.

The panel discussion is organised in cooperation with the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation.