Land and Freedom (1978)
A documentary capturing the Tierra y Libertad movement, where Mexican peasants occupy urban land near Monterrey and forge their own community.
Land and Freedom - Movie Information
- Original Title: Tierra y Libertad
- Release Year: 1978
- Directed by: Maurice Bulbulian
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Original Language: Spanish
- Spoken Languages: French, Spanish
- Production Companies: National Film Board, Montréal, Québec, Canada, Dirección de Producción de Cortometraje, Cine Difusión SEP (Secretaría de Educación Pública)
Land and Freedom - Plot
Tierra y Libertad is the name of a united front of former Mexican peasants gathered on the outskirts of the city of Monterrey, in the industrial north of Mexico, who are occupying urban land and building their own type of society there.
Land and Freedom - Trailer
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Land and Freedom - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Maurice Bulbulian
Producers
- Jacques Gagné
Land and Freedom - FAQs
What is Land and Freedom about?
Land and Freedom follows a united front of former Mexican peasants who have settled on the outskirts of Monterrey, in Mexico's industrial north. Calling themselves Tierra y Libertad, they occupy urban land and work collectively to build their own community and way of life from the ground up.
Is Land and Freedom based on real events?
Yes, this is a documentary grounded entirely in real events. Director Maurice Bulbulian filmed the actual Tierra y Libertad community near Monterrey, Mexico, capturing genuine grassroots organizing and land occupation as it unfolded, making it a firsthand record of social resistance and community self-determination.
Who directed Land and Freedom?
Maurice Bulbulian directed the film. A documentary filmmaker associated with the National Film Board of Canada, Bulbulian also served as editor on the project. The film was co-produced with Mexican institutions including Cine Difusión SEP, reflecting a cross-border collaborative effort.
Where can you watch Land and Freedom online?
You can check current streaming availability for Land and Freedom on JustWatch, which tracks all viewing options across platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your location, so JustWatch is the most reliable way to find where it's currently accessible.
What themes does Land and Freedom explore?
The film digs into themes of land rights, grassroots resistance, collective self-governance, and urban poverty in Mexico. It portrays how marginalized communities can organize outside formal institutions to claim space and build social structures on their own terms, making it a compelling study in political and cultural documentary filmmaking.
What language is Land and Freedom in?
The film is primarily in Spanish, reflecting its Mexican subject matter, with French also spoken — a nod to its National Film Board of Canada co-production roots. It's a bilingual documentary that bridges two distinct filmmaking traditions across borders.
How long is Land and Freedom?
Land and Freedom runs for 94 minutes — just under an hour and a half. It's a focused, immersive runtime that gives the documentary enough space to portray the Tierra y Libertad community in depth without overstaying its welcome.
What are similar documentaries to Land and Freedom?
If Land and Freedom resonates with you, explore titles like Baraka (1992) for its sweeping visual anthropology, Cameraperson (2016) for intimate documentary craft, or The U.S. vs. John Lennon (2006) for politically charged storytelling. Naqoyqatsi (2002) and 28 Up (1984) also offer rich, thought-provoking documentary experiences.
More About Land and Freedom
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