“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” documented the first Latin American coup of the 21 st century, as well as the world's first media coup . Irish journalists Kim Bartley and Donnacha O'Brien filmed the turbulent experience after the April 12th, 2002, coup of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Chavez was arrested and forced to leave the Presidential Palace after rioting took place at a parade where his supporters and protestors clashed. Snipers killed 24 people and wounded 110, yet broadcasts over the news made it seem like it was Chavez and his supporters who were killing civilians. Incidentally this coup happened shortly after Chavez made some disparaging comments about United States military involvement with Iraq. There has been much speculation about U.S. involvement with the coup.

Chavez was incarcerated and immediately replaced by a new interim government. However, before being forced from the Palace he never signed a form of resignation so he was being held captive against his will and was still legally considered president, according to the Constitution of Venezuela. Upheaval by a majority of the public that loved him incited a revolution that set him free and he took control of his presidential position once again.

“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” is a feverishly up-close portrayal of turmoil and ultimate triumph. Thus far the documentary has won 22 awards from around the world including The Silver Hugo Award from the Chicago Film Festival, Best Documentary from the International Documentary Awards and the Overall Award for Best Journalism from ESB Media Awards.

“I never even heard about anything that was going on there. It was pretty shocking. Very well done. It made you feel like you were right there ,” said Joseph Macintosh, an ECC student.

After the film was screened there was open discussion among the group that attended. Many students voiced their opinions and concerns relating to the film, as well as other contemporary social concerns they may have had.

“The reason we wanted to show this film,” says Joshua Coppings, President of BSC Students for Peace, “was to show that this kind of coup could happen anywhere. If the United States is contributing to injustice anywhere, we need to ensure that the truth be everywhere, as much as humanly possible.”

The screening of “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” is just one of many BSC Students for Peace events. There are general interest meetings every Thursday during Bengal Pause in Room 412 in the Campbell Student Union. Upcoming events include Oppose Iraqi Occupation on March 20 th in New York City, as well as a School of Americans, a combat school for Latin Americans, lobby in D.C. from March 26-28 th . For more information go to: www.buffstatepeace.org/about

“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” is currently being screened in Ohio on its way to Missouri. For more information go to: www.chavezthefilm.com