Verdades verdaderas, la vida de Estela (2011) Movie Script
What are you doing here?
And it ever snow here?
No, it doesn't!
And is it ever gonna snow?
No.
Never, ever?
Never, ever, at all.
The kids have come
to play with you, they're having their
milk, let's go.
Yes, let's go.
Sometimes they ask me how I can love
someone so much without knowing him,
without knowing what he feels, when he
laughs, why he suffers.
I try to imagine your face;
I try on mouths, eyes, gestures.
I think that you can be walking right
next to me on the street, watching the
same TV show or listening to the same
song.
That day, there were no further doubts.
You are somewhere!
You were born on June 26, 1978, your
name has been Guido for 32 years and I
miss you...
TRUE TRUTHS. Estela's life
Headquarters of Grandmothers of the Plaza
de Mayo Association, Buenos Aires 2009
Let's go...
Come on. Yummy!
Come on.
Are we ready? Here, boy, you're younger;
you take care of it...
You evil kid, you're leaving! You're
leaving us!
Hey, I have the right to take a
vacation; I deserve it, don't I?
OK, he's not going to Siberia. Bring
salami before coming!
Exactly, it's good for one's cholesterol
Do I have something here?
I am looking great! Soon I'll go under
the knife for a complete makeover, I'll
meet a young man, you'll see.
What do you think?
There's something,
There's old age, Teresa!
Would you pass the stapler,
I'll fix it...
If she doesn't have a man, she's
not happy...
But you look like girls, you look great!
Come on!
The fact that there is no information
does not mean that the trial is
suspended.
Shush, here comes the Headmistress.
That's right, silence means that the
Grandmothers are working.
No, they are not celebrating that
here... all right, all right, goodbye,
dear, happy New Year.
Stop it! You have nothing there.
Shall we toast or what?
Cheers, cheers, happy New Year!
Happy new year for everyone!
Dear Guido...
No, you may not.
Just thank you then.
How many times are you gonna toast?
Look at this last bit, it'd be a pity.
Just a little bit, a little bit
And how was your interview? They kept
you there for like 3 hours.
It lasted for ages! There are people who
think that the Grandmothers are getting
more politicized!
Who thinks that?
I ask. Do you think that?
And the
answer is no, no, no, no, no, no, no,
no, no.
Ok, then, and then we started
talking, but it was long, very long.
Are you gonna drive to Ranchos
like that?
Why not, eh?
Why don't you leave with
Claudia, too?
I'm OK here.
This one will be our year, you'll see.
Nothing... I think the same every year.
It will happen someday, right?
Of course it will.
Mi grandma makes an amazing
vitello tonnato.
Really?
I'll bring you some in a Tupper.
Please do, because last year...
No, no, no, no.
See you next year! I cease to exist
for 20 days, is that clear?
Do it while you can.
OK, and you guys, behave. Get drunk but
with moderation, all right?
And turn off
her lights or she'll stay until the Magi
come.
I can't believe that
woman, for the love of God!
Bye.
Bye, Abelito.
Have a nice trip!
Hi.
Hi, err...
How can we help you?
Well, er...
Oh, oh, all right.
You know, I called a washing machine
repairman and again, he hasn't come, but
a week ago...
Was it this one?
Yeah, that one.
That wine is so tasty.
Mom, mother, but...
I'll get one for you.
Sit down, mom, I'm OK.
Sit down, mom. I'm OK but... my coffee.
You took my coffee. She's taking, she's
taking my coffee. Mom!
What time are you leaving, guys?
We must be there at 12.30, tops.
Remo, would you open this?
Granny, this is so tasty!
Mom, no, no, no. He said a kilo a month
not all kilos in a single week.
But this girl is thin, she's skinny!
Show her the picture of the baby, look.
The picture of the baby
Yeah, it's the ultrasonography.
Look, look.
Oh.
Let's see.
Not the 3D, the 4D, that one.
(He murmurs.)
This is the 4D one.
That one, look. Aw.
Let's see, give it to me, give it to me.
And have you thought of a name yet?
Aw, he looks like his father.
Ema?
Ema? Luca.
Luca? No, not Luca
So?
Is it bent or the ground has moved?
Where is it bent?
Get off, get off me!
Dad, isn't it true
that you're buying me a guitar?
What?
See? You moron.
You promised!
Did you really say that?
Is it bent?
Why is he getting a guitar?
You gave your word, dad!
Then, I'm getting my racquet!
OK, if you pass your tests, we'll see
You'll see? You can't just go back on
a promise!
Give up, Tano. Give up. You cannot argue
with Perry Mason!
It looks nice, doesn't it?
Bent.
OK, I gotta go, bye.
Bye.
You're going to the birthday party in
those clothes?
Don't worry, I'm already married.
Exactly.
Do you need a ride?
No, I'm OK.
Where are the tartan trousers
I made you?
I'm gone!
Nice... but bent.
Sweet, you're gonna get covered in
feathers at the Gualeguaychu carnival.
You have no idea! Gualeguaychu is
amazing.
Estela, mom.
What are you thinking
about? Where are you?
Come on. It's
almost 12. We're all here. Come on, go
play the granny, will you?
Hey, don't be like that!
Like what? Like you, that's who
I take after.
Yeah, yeah. Come on, let's go.
You were born on June 26
Biographical Family Archive
Buenos Aires 2010
name has been Guido for 32 years and
I miss you...
La Plata city, 1975
Hold this.
It's me.
You can already save this.
This?
Long live Evita!
The enemy, in order to prevent students
from scrutinizing the situation
You go away.
Let him stay, go on.
The enemy, in order to prevent students
from scrutinizing the situation and
organizing themselves, sets a repressive
apparatus at school: It is forbidden to
get organized and do politics.
Did you write this?
What's the difference? Go on.
- Hi, Laura, you're back.
- Yes.
All alone?
Yes, alone.
Hide that magazine better if you don't
want me to see it.
They don't read the papers. They only
read that.
What's the matter with you? Did you also
turn into a gorilla?
Hey!
A gorilla, yes.
This is a part of a fight against a
government that plays with the Peronist
football shirt but is antipopular, dad!
All right, and who appointed Isabel?
Pern was manipulated at will, dad!
Ok, stop the Pern thing!
What did I tell you? What did I
tell you?
You could read them before getting
angry, couldn't you?
Why don't you give them to your
teachers?
To my teachers? What for?
There are people who are not interested
in doing politics but in other things.
Well, if you don't deal with politics,
politics deal with you, right?
Aw, Kibo for president! See?
He's learning!
Learning? Learning what? Learning to
repeat things like a parrot? I hope you
have learned things just as well for
your exam tomorrow.
Hi. Is everything all right?
Everything's all right.
What is all that mud?
Take off your shoes, please!
Are you staying for dinner, Laura?
No, they're waiting for me.
OK, you go and study! Now!
And that magazine... out of the house.
I gotta go, bye.
Bye, love. Are you staying for dinner?
Claudia!
What's wrong with that girl?
Security reasons, ata. It's normal.
Is it normal? Claudia ignoring me?
She's protecting herself and you.
Me? Why?
You fucking...!
Listen, listen.
Put that down a bit! Look,
I found it and it's got a roll.
Here, fellow.
Hey! It looks great! It's beautiful!
Are you staying?
No, turns out I can't stay.
Look, do you like it?
Be careful! It's fresh!
Too late.
Bye.
Stay put, you look pretty.
I am pretty.
Look. Do you like it, mom?
Honey.
Wake up.
What time is it?
Someone's here.
Yesterday they told me about a hostel.
No, try at Francisco's first. Sergio
spent a long time there.
No, we don't want that. We don't want
that. I, we've been thinking...
What are you doing here? What
happened?
Look.
The government was overthrew
by the army
"The military control operations
are being performed in
all the national territory according to
the plan. "
We're leaving for a couple of days.
How much do you need?
As much as you can.
"Announcement number one of the
Military Junta:"
Are you OK?
Yes.
"The population is informed that
hereafter,"
Hi, dear.
"The country is under the operational"
What are you going to do?
"Control of the Junta of General"
I don't understand what you're doing.
We're going to a hostel for a few days.
Oh.
"Commanders of the Armed Forces. "
Ok, thanks.
If you need more.
Yes, I'll let you know.
"All inhabitants are advised to
strictly obey all resolutions and
ordinances passed by military, security
or police authorities and to carefully
refrain from performing acts or adopting
attitudes, individually or as a group,"
Well,
bye.
Your hands are freezing. Put on
more clothes.
"That may require a drastic intervention
"by the operating personnel. "
Round head 8... 3 boxes.
Another one.
There are some
hexagonal ones here, dad!
Do I leave them here or
do I put them on the shelves?
Keep them apart.
Be careful with the merchandise.
Tell me another one.
Remo?
How are you?
Are you leaving already?
We are leaving for a minute
but we'll be right back.
Stay with Kibo, will you?
Do you feel better?
Yes.
We'll be right back.
Sweetie!
Hi.
Yes.
Come here.
They've come for me.
Then we have to tell our fellows,
they're probably coming home,
we have to take everything away.
I'm gonna need the pick-up.
Where are you going?
Take it easy, OK?
Easy?
Come here, come here.
She's right.
Have you seen what happened with
the Teacher Training College guys!
They haven't been found anywhere...
Yeah. Anyway, Rita and I
take all the necessary precautions.
Precautions my ass! You must flee. Rita?
I can take care of myself, mom!
Besides, do you think the military
cares so much about me?
I care about you.
And we have already discussed
this with your father.
We have the money to send you away.
Oh, don't start. I don't want to.
Please, Laura, I beg you!
No, no, no! I am not leaving!
You're gonna get killed if you stay here!
Do I have to put you to sleep
to send you abroad?
If you put me to sleep,
I'll wake up and take the first plane
back home.
She must have been delayed by the
move, right?
Laura is never late and certainly
not now.
Hey, don't scare me, what are you
thinking?
If I think, I go mad.
She said at five.
Are you going to her place?
I'll go, too.
You stay here, in case she calls.
"Er... explain it to him, Carlitos.
Yes, it was something I came up with but
I've also been thinking about
it and I don't know. "
And? "Quit? The three of us?
That's right.
Stand up to Barselli and tell him.
It's the three of us or none of us!
Or do you think it would be easy for him
to bring two draftsmen from one day
to the other?
When Torres asks for the project
tomorrow, what's he gonna give him?
Yeah, sure, but they can tell Torres"
Hello, yes,
"that they're handing in the project
next week and on Monday, they'll have"
can I speak to my brother, please?
"All the draftsmen they want the whole
company for a project, it's absurd. "
There's the pick-up!
Let me see! Stop, stop, stop! Please!
It's not safe!
I need to see! I need to see, please!
What happened?
I don't know, I don't know.
What happened?
Let's go!
Wait!
Let's go!
Wait,
We'll come back again during the day.
Why?
What? A neighbor told us.
He was looking for you and
that's when it happened.
Freeze!
They'll release him, mom.
Don't worry about me,
Claudia is in a safe place and me too,
you guys take care.
All right, Silvita,
we'll speak again soon, dear.
I'll call you back.
OK, take care.
Thank you.
Did you have your hair cut?
No.
It just looks different to me.
No, no. Thanks.
Come on, let's go.
Why are you awake, Estela?
I found her! I knew I had that number,
I'll call her tomorrow!
But we've talked about it, Estela,
what for?
What for?
I can't stand it any longer,
Ricardo, I can't stand it anymore!
Do you know anything about Claudia?
Claudia is all right.
Well, if you can consider all right to
go from one place to the other, hiding.
Don't talk to those people.
And who do I talk to?
Tell me, who do I talk to?
They don't know anything
at the police station!
They don't know anything
at the hospitals!
No one knows anything!
What do you want me to do?
It's been three weeks already!
What should I do?
Go to bed. You need to rest,
we'll discuss it tomorrow, ok?
Please!
Go to bed, Estela.
Ah! Go to bed! Go to bed! This guy!
Guido! Honey, Guido.
Darling, Guido. Guido!
Kids, kids! It's daddy! Come here!
Can you, honey?
Help me!
When those guys released your
grandfather, they told him to walk
without looking back.
He walked a bit, then turned around,
looked at them and unbuttoned
his jacket because he didn't want to...
As he thought
they were gonna kill him,
he didn't want his jacket to get stained,
because he thought I could use it.
Then some people he found
on the street helped him.
The first think he asked for was a comb.
To tell you the truth,
he came back as a quarter
of what he used to be.
The night he came back he spent eight
consecutive hours telling us
about the murders
and the tortures he had seen.
Then he spoke less and less.
I'd like you to take care of him,
the small one, Mariana's little brother?
Keep him close to you.
Hey! Don't run!
That one's a menace.
Mrs. Estela?
Yes.
You've got a call. It's Silvia.
I'll be right back.
Hi!
Hi, mom. How is he?
Well, he's pulling through.
How are you?
I've been feeling a bit sick.
I have to go to the gynecologist.
Err, excuse me,
would you give this to Marta.
I accidentally took it.
Sure.
Thank you.
A bit sick? Tell me about it.
No, not now. I have to go. I
love you, guys.
We love you, too.
Laura!
Laura!
Leave it, darling.
Something happened to her.
Leave it. It won't come out.
Hello? Hello? Hello?
This is a mess!
Is it too hard to keep things a
little tidy?
What are those clothes doing here?
Are you all right, darling?
Guido!
Go ahead, call him.
Let's wait. It's Sunday.
Chief of the army command.
Buenos Aires 1977
Come in. The General is waiting for you.
Thank you. May I come in?
I am very sorry to bother you.
Thank you.
I asked your sister for this meeting.
We've taught at the same school.
It's about my daughter, Laura.
It's been weeks since
we last heard from her.
You know what the problem is, madam?
We tell them to turn
themselves in voluntarily but...
and there's still that disrepute
campaign abroad.
There are model jails here
to get them recovered.
If my daughter committed a crime
she must stand trial, right?
I mean,
if she is found guilty of something,
she must go to jail.
We'll wait for her,
all her family will wait for her.
That's what you say, madam,
but I just came from Uruguay and there,
the Tupamaros who are in jail not
only get more clung to
their ideas but they
also end up persuading the jailers.
That's not gonna happen here.
Here, you gotta do what you gotta do.
...we gotta do it here, madam!
Please, sir, please.
I don't want to go crazy like
other mothers who are looking
for her daughter in cemeteries.
Don't kill her.
And if you have killed her already,
please give me the body!
How do they call her? Write it down.
Do you know her?
She's been wandering
around here for a while.
Good morning.
Good morning.
Guido?
Yes.
I don't have much time.
I've been kidnapped with Rita.
With Laura? She's alive!
Yes.
Hello!
Erminda!
How are you?
Fine.
Go ahead, please.
Serve the young lady,
she got here first.
No, no. I haven't decided yet.
Would you show me those again,
please?
I'll show you, I'll show you.
You know my daughter
is getting married, right?
We're throwing the party at home
so we'd like you to give us
an estimate.
Oh, leave the details, so we can
prepare it properly!
But could you knock a bit off the price?
Certainly, as usual.
Thank you very much. Good bye.
Where do they have her?
It's impossible to know. They take
us walled up.
What?
Blindfolded.
But how is she?!
She's six-month pregnant.
Before they released me,
she asked me to tell you
to look for the baby in Casa Cuna
by mid June. She thinks
they're gonna leave him there.
Why? Why there?
Why don't they leave him with us?
Let her talk.
She said that, if he was a boy,
she wants him to be named Guido,
after you.
Oh, darling, she's alive!
She's alive!
Casa Cuna, La plata 1978
Madam, you cannot come in here,
you're putting my job at risk.
I'm sorry.
I've already asked.
The baby that was brought yesterday
was picked up this morning.
Picked up? Where did they take him?
Children come and go all the time.
A judged ordered his adoption.
A judge? Do you know his name?
I can't give you that information.
It's confidential.
I'll have to ask you to leave,
madam, please.
Law Courts, Buenos Aires, 1978
I apologize.
The judge was at a meeting, you know.
I was not allowed to interrupt him.
That's what took us so long.
Look, I told him what you said
to me and the truth is,
Your Honor said that the best
you can do is stop looking.
What?
look, if you keep looking,
you'll end up getting in trouble.
You might end up in a ditch.
What?
Just that.
Did he say that?
Look, I need to go.
Did he say that?
I have to go. Excuse me.
The girl told me to ask there.
Some kids might be left
at Casa Cuna but most of them
What?
They are more than one would imagine.
They say kidnappers themselves
or military men's relatives take them.
I also went to Casa Cuna and nothing.
But I don't know where to ask anymore.
I know but still,
we have to keep asking.
The same happens to us because
no one pays any attention,
you know, politicians.
Not even priests, go figure.
That's why we have to be there.
Stay firm and not leave them alone
until they tell us where they are!
We're going to Plaza de Mayo tomorrow.
Do you dare, Estela?
Laura?
Tomorrow I'm going to Plaza de Mayo
with some women, you know?
I took it already.
No, you didn't.
I'm not sure if I'm going crazy
but today, in the street...
Oh, call the kids. Dinner's ready.
Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires 1978
Hi.
Move along, move along!
You are not allowed to be here.
Move along, move along!
Come on, madam,
come on, move along,
move along!
I can't, Beba, I can't do this.
No, no, don't be afraid.
That's what they want.
Walk, listen to me, walk.
Hello? Yes, it's me.
Would you give me the address,
please?
We'll be right there.
Do you think they have her here?
Will they give us the baby?
Madam, gentlemen,
the Captain is waiting for you.
Come in, please.
Do you know this person?
It's our daughter.
She was intercepted in Route 3,
she was accompanied by a man.
She was commanded to halt,
she answered with a fire gun.
Your daughter
died in a confrontation.
How did she die?
She died, madam, died, died!
She was killed!
She was killed!
It's OK. Calm down, please.
Darling...!
What did you do with the baby?
There's no baby, madam,
there's no baby.
Do you want your daughter's body?
Sign this paper and it's yours.
Right now, OK?
It's done, come on.
What do you mean there's no baby?
Sign this paper and take it, please!
It's done.
I'll ask you to leave, please.
This, sir.
You're right on time.
One more second and
I would have taken it.
If you also wanna take the kid
No, no. We don't know who he is,
what the fuck are you saying?
No one knows.
Cover her, Ricardo, please!
It's cold!
It's OK.
No!
It's OK.
No!
Ready. As good as new.
Thanks, darling.
What for? What for?
Did she fit in there?
She looked older, didn't she?
Throw everything away.
Laura? Laura?
Laura?
Laura?
He's right. He must go.
What's he gonna do?
He'll be safe in Sweden with Claudia.
I haven't finished!
But if he stays we could
at least see him from time to time.
Living with the military,
do you know
what could happen to him
when they found out he's a Carlotto?
We have to get him abroad,
no matter what!
"Serving the country"
What country?
Couldn't you find a worse one, huh
This one sucks! It sucks! Look!
We've been discussing
it with your father and you're
right, Kibo.
You should flee.
It's the best.
You'll be safer.
Listen to this!
Listen to this sound!
It's a tin! Look! Look!
This sucks, mom, it sucks!
Stop it! Please!
We all miss her! All of us!
What are you doing there in the cold?
Did you take your pills?
I think so.
I think so?
That's what I need!
You getting sick!
And I was right! It's bent!
Everything's bent.
Municipal Cementery. La Plata 1979
No one knows anything.
Somebody has to know something, Sir.
You're here all day.
People come and go all the time.
You must have seen someone.
No, I didn't see anything.
But listen to me, please!
I need to know
where my daughter is!
What do you want me to tell you?
I don't know anything, madam.
Please! I need to find my daughter!
That's what I am here for!
I don't know anything, madam!
OK, ask the manager.
Easy, we're both here, easy.
Defense Counsel of Human Rights.
San Pablo 1980
Well, we are permanently meeting
there in Buenos Aires.
And, well, we've been to Chile and
Uruguay, and our work clearly
shows that children
in those two countries.
The committee's actions
will be performed in all South America.
Luckily, we have the support
of the archbishopric.
Ha! The archbishopric?
Yes.
Where I was held under arrest,
there were many pregnancies.
Most of the times,
babies were delivered and
were killed.
Not all of them.
Some of them survived!
True. I remember one of them.
The day they released her,
I gave her a black lace bra.
And I told her
to take it as a souvenir.
What a stupid thing to say,
Her father had a paint shop
or something like that.
They took her away
for the delivery
and took her back alone and asleep.
When she woke up
Sometimes they took her out.
They took her out?
To the streets, for a ride,
so that she...
...would point at a fellow.
But she wouldn't betray anyone.
You're talking about my daughter, Laura.
They killed her.
And the baby?
What happened to the baby?
She had a healthy boy! Guido.
These are the frst of Argentine landing in
Puerto Argentino at Islas Malvinas...
I'm going to bed.
Go.
Bye, dad.
The attacks began at midnight.
The sky was covered by missiles...
ones of many planes crashed
in the Malvinas War...
that the enemy is unable to recognize...
Are you in a better mood now?
The thing is that customers
don't pay and
I'm not that good at numbers.
The Army was able to hoist our flag
again in the southern territory...
showing it's millitary power...
Where's that thing?
Fucking shit!
Hey, what's wrong?
Turn it off, please.
Dear Remo: So many things happened
and we haven't been able to talk.
We have to be confident.
All this massacre and persecution
cannot last forever.
Today, I regret not having
strengthened our relationship.
I would really like you
to feel that I'm your friend
and that you can tell me
all about you.
Daddy told me
you're not playing tennis anymore.
Why? Did you get bored?
Don't let life get you down.
You have to be strong
and optimistic.
I love you and miss you a lot.
Don't stop writing to me. Laura.
Kibo!
I was stopped at customs in Asuncin
and the policeman looks at me
and says don't you know
you cannot bring animals here?
Animals? What did you have?
The thing is I had bought
a charango
and had it with me all day.
They were talking about you.
He was actually talking to the charango.
Leave her alone, don't be silly.
OK, OK, OK
Our return was also complicated.
Besides, at Ezeiza...
They're watching us!
Who? Where?
Right there! Don't look!
Let's go.
Let's go.
There, don't look, mom.
We're leaving one at a time.
You go first.
I'll take the girl.
I'm staying with the girl, all right?
OK
No one is leaving this place.
What?
Pay the check, darling.
Estela. Tell her to stay here, dad.
I can't.
Mom!
Why didn't you stop her?
Hi. Yes, madam. How are you?
May I speak to the Doctor, please?
Oh, all right, all right.
Yes, Mrs. Carlotto.
Tell him to call me.
Tell him that, err...
we're here at the Capital
with my family, with my children,
who have just come to Argentina
to legalize and that,
well, we're here, having a good time
at a bar and there are some people
who look like they're from the
services and they're watching us.
Oh, thanks.
All right, tell him
that we're now going home,
to La Plata and please ask him
to inform that we're being followed,
yes. If we don't call you back in two hours,
please submit an habeas corpus.
That's right.
Well, thank you very much, madam.
Good afternoon.
OK, I've already talked to the lawyer
and now we're gonna stand up
really calmly, slowly and we're gonna get
in the pick up,
all of us, somehow!
Cramped at the back!
All together! Let's go!
Headquarters of Grandmothers
of the Plaza de Mayo Association.
Buenos Aires 1983
My responsibility is to ensure today
and forever democracy and respect...
I can't believe it.
For human freedom
in the Argentine territory.
So many people!
Would you pass those glasses?
Can I borrow them?
You're gonna get dizzy with these.
Girls, this is Abel.
My fellow was going
to the train station.
At that time,
we lived in Florida.
Three cars blocked her on the street.
I managed to see everything
but I couldn't help.
She was pregnant with Francisco.
There's a lot to do here, you know.
Besides, we're mostly women.
I'm serious. If you want to...
Of course I want to.
Hi.
So?
They moved again.
I'm leaving early tomorrow.
Again?
I left you some food.
Leave a picture of you, too.
I never see you nowadays.
If I see you on the streets,
I won't recognize you.
What are you saying, Tano?
You sound like a boy.
Is there anything you don't have?
I don't have a wife. How about that?
You know I'm tired.
I'm meeting a new human rights
group tomorrow.
What about my human rights?
Don't I have any?
Give that to me, darling.
Don't clam up like that.
Say what you think.
Lea, you're always seeing it half empty.
I'm fine. How are you?
Very well.
At least I see something.
But if we say A you say Z.
You're like that, Lea,
somebody has to tell you!
What's wrong? Is it el Tano?
Now you want to write letters.
You can read me like a book.
No, Ivonne, I didn't say that.
Every time I leave the house,
he makes a scene.
Talk then.
What's the point of talking?
He looks like a different person.
I always see the glass half empty.
Everything I say is useless!
I can't tell him anything.
I can't get angry because it's not
his fault but it also breaks my heart.
Estela, could you please tell
Lea to be clearer and to speak?
Don't look for allies!
We're all allies!
Or is anyone breaking away?
I suppose you're referring to me,
aren't you?
No. But you're always
objecting to everything.
You doubt if we're doing things
right or if you're going to find
your grandson.
Don't you ever doubt?
Yes but I cannot just sit down
and do nothing!
I'm home.
What are you doing, honey?
What's up?
Everything's misplaced.
Am I doing the right thing, honey?
Today I was thinking
"there are lots of grandmothers now".
What if I just quit? We could
spend more time together.
ata!
Don't you even think about that!
I'm getting a strong presbyopia, too.
Oh, thanks.
You know, this hand goes numb and
this one itches as if
I had an allergy or something.
Are you OK, Lea?
Yes, yes.
You stood up so suddenly.
Oh, well,
I have a bit of a headache, Estela.
Yesterday I...
No, it's OK.
I was too nervous.
I wasn't feeling well.
We all feel the same.
Do you forgive me?
There's nothing to forgive, Estela.
Come here.
What?
Here, look.
Let me see. It doesn't show.
What should I do?
I'd have it cut a bit.
Come here.
Look.
Oh, and with no glasses!
Scientists discover a way
to identify people with a blood test
I don't get it.
Greek to me. Can you explain?
Ivonne, I think this can help us
find our grandchildren.
Of course!
Girls, are we doctors, now?
Please! It can't be that simple,
I don't know. We're not their mothers.
OK, optimists on one side,
pessimists on the other side, please.
Do you understand?
Yes.
Our blood can help.
Yes, yes, yes, yes.
Do you see what this means?
Municipal Cementery. La Plata 1984
I didn't see her
when they gave us the body.
I couldn't see her!
It's as if I had never said goodbye!
The military is going to insist
on the confrontation, Claudia!
You'll see. When they stand trial,
they're going to say
what they always say.
That Guido does not exist!
What are you thinking about, mom?
That we should ask for the disinterment.
When I heard about the pregnancy,
I hit my head against the wall.
I wanted her to have a miscarriage.
They were the worst
news I could hear.
And now I regret it, right?
But I was afraid of
what they could do to her body
in that condition.
But she clung to her pregnancy
and to you and you managed
to live through it together.
They could steal bodies,
break them, throw them into the river
but they couldn't
destroy certain things,
certain dreams.
Your mother's dream was you
Municipal Cementery. La Plata 1985
She received two almost simultaneous
shots at a distance of 30 centimeters
approximately: One in her womb
and one in the nape.
Any of the shots would
have been enough to kill her.
There was no confrontation.
She was killed.
I knew that but still,
I needed to hear it.
You're a grandmother.
Laura's bones spoke.
Shall we go, honey?
I'm coming.
Biographical Family Archive.
Buenos Aires, 2010
He didn't wanna take it?
He didn't even come.
Hello, yes. When? In Madariaga's?
We'll finish the box and
I'll take it. OK, bye.
No!
He appeared!
I can't believe it!
Where are the pictures?
They're there. The one on top, there.
Mom?
She's at her office.
Sweetie! What a surprise!
You're gonna be surprised.
What happened?
Sit down.
Abel!
Wait!
Fatty!
Is that him?
There he is!
Oh
Abel! Abel! Wake up! Abel!
We've got news.
Well, How do I look?
Very nervous!
Yes, I know but how do I look?!
Perfect! Perfect!
This is yours, here you will find
pictures, memories, anecdotes
of people that knew your mother.
Recordings?
There are a lot of stories from friends.
These are the most beautiful of her.
Tano gave us a hand, right?
He sure did he sure did!
He's coming, you know?
So beautiful!
Your mother is so beautiful!
Look at her! You little thing!
I love you so much!
I knitted this one myself!
It was Laurita's favorite
Thanks, dear!
Thanks.
We didn't know where to start.
Time doesn't matter.
Florencia.
I know we'll meet.
Juan.
There is a family
that loves you and
is looking for you.
Life can also arise from pain.
Nicol...
Sooner or later,
the truth will come to light.
They put us down,
they stepped on us,
and we were able to stand up
and we're still standing up.
Today we are many and
can hold each other up.
Others will tell you your story.
Horacio.
I won't die without an embrace.
Mother's arms.
Francisco.
I don't know you and I dream of you.
Mara Eugenia.
We are waiting for you.
In the eyes of every boy I see, I look
for your mother's eyes.
I don't know how I can live without you.
Manuel
Claudia
And I'm here waiting for you.
Dear Guido, today you turn 33,
Christ's age as they say,
as we old women say
with this in mind,
I think about the tyrants.
That killed you when you were born
by erasing your name
your history your parents
Laura you grew up with another name
and a life full of lies
what those who took
you cannot imagine is that you
carry all the lullabies
and all the songs
your mother used to keep
you warm in your heart.
I know you'll wake up one day
knowing how much she loved you
and how much all of us still love you,
and that day,
you will wonder where to find us
that day, you will understand
why every time you
listened to Sui Generis,
Almendra or Pappo you could feel it
deep down inside you
that day, you will find those answers
and many more
You will finally wake to become
a free man. I am looking for you.
I'll wait for you.
Your grandmother Estela
Laura? Laura? Laura?
Laura?
Laura? Laura?
The last military dictatorship in
Argentina left more than 30,000 people
missing. Military personnel and
civilians are currently being put on
trial for crimes against humanity,
genocide and theft of babies.
Only 105 grandchildren,
of the more than 500 grandchildren
that have been kidnapped and deprived
of their identity,
have been reunited
with their families until now
The National Genetic Data Bank
was founded in 1987
and it was the first
of its kind in the world.
The Biographical Family Archive
was created in 1988.
Estela is the current Chairperson
of Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo.
She is still looking
for her grandson Guido.
On July 9th, 2007,
it snowed in the city of La Plata
Happy end number 81
Leonardo Fossati.
He regained his identity in August 2005.
Happy end number 64
Claudia Poblete Hlaczik
She regained her identity
in February 2000
Happy end number 57
Manuel Goncalves Granado
He regained his identity in August 1997.
Happy end number 94
Catalina De Sanctis Ovando
She regained her identity in
September 2008
Happy end number 75
Horacio Pietragalla Corti
He regained his identity in April 2003.
And 100 more happy endings...
...for now
And it ever snow here?
No, it doesn't!
And is it ever gonna snow?
No.
Never, ever?
Never, ever, at all.
The kids have come
to play with you, they're having their
milk, let's go.
Yes, let's go.
Sometimes they ask me how I can love
someone so much without knowing him,
without knowing what he feels, when he
laughs, why he suffers.
I try to imagine your face;
I try on mouths, eyes, gestures.
I think that you can be walking right
next to me on the street, watching the
same TV show or listening to the same
song.
That day, there were no further doubts.
You are somewhere!
You were born on June 26, 1978, your
name has been Guido for 32 years and I
miss you...
TRUE TRUTHS. Estela's life
Headquarters of Grandmothers of the Plaza
de Mayo Association, Buenos Aires 2009
Let's go...
Come on. Yummy!
Come on.
Are we ready? Here, boy, you're younger;
you take care of it...
You evil kid, you're leaving! You're
leaving us!
Hey, I have the right to take a
vacation; I deserve it, don't I?
OK, he's not going to Siberia. Bring
salami before coming!
Exactly, it's good for one's cholesterol
Do I have something here?
I am looking great! Soon I'll go under
the knife for a complete makeover, I'll
meet a young man, you'll see.
What do you think?
There's something,
There's old age, Teresa!
Would you pass the stapler,
I'll fix it...
If she doesn't have a man, she's
not happy...
But you look like girls, you look great!
Come on!
The fact that there is no information
does not mean that the trial is
suspended.
Shush, here comes the Headmistress.
That's right, silence means that the
Grandmothers are working.
No, they are not celebrating that
here... all right, all right, goodbye,
dear, happy New Year.
Stop it! You have nothing there.
Shall we toast or what?
Cheers, cheers, happy New Year!
Happy new year for everyone!
Dear Guido...
No, you may not.
Just thank you then.
How many times are you gonna toast?
Look at this last bit, it'd be a pity.
Just a little bit, a little bit
And how was your interview? They kept
you there for like 3 hours.
It lasted for ages! There are people who
think that the Grandmothers are getting
more politicized!
Who thinks that?
I ask. Do you think that?
And the
answer is no, no, no, no, no, no, no,
no, no.
Ok, then, and then we started
talking, but it was long, very long.
Are you gonna drive to Ranchos
like that?
Why not, eh?
Why don't you leave with
Claudia, too?
I'm OK here.
This one will be our year, you'll see.
Nothing... I think the same every year.
It will happen someday, right?
Of course it will.
Mi grandma makes an amazing
vitello tonnato.
Really?
I'll bring you some in a Tupper.
Please do, because last year...
No, no, no, no.
See you next year! I cease to exist
for 20 days, is that clear?
Do it while you can.
OK, and you guys, behave. Get drunk but
with moderation, all right?
And turn off
her lights or she'll stay until the Magi
come.
I can't believe that
woman, for the love of God!
Bye.
Bye, Abelito.
Have a nice trip!
Hi.
Hi, err...
How can we help you?
Well, er...
Oh, oh, all right.
You know, I called a washing machine
repairman and again, he hasn't come, but
a week ago...
Was it this one?
Yeah, that one.
That wine is so tasty.
Mom, mother, but...
I'll get one for you.
Sit down, mom, I'm OK.
Sit down, mom. I'm OK but... my coffee.
You took my coffee. She's taking, she's
taking my coffee. Mom!
What time are you leaving, guys?
We must be there at 12.30, tops.
Remo, would you open this?
Granny, this is so tasty!
Mom, no, no, no. He said a kilo a month
not all kilos in a single week.
But this girl is thin, she's skinny!
Show her the picture of the baby, look.
The picture of the baby
Yeah, it's the ultrasonography.
Look, look.
Oh.
Let's see.
Not the 3D, the 4D, that one.
(He murmurs.)
This is the 4D one.
That one, look. Aw.
Let's see, give it to me, give it to me.
And have you thought of a name yet?
Aw, he looks like his father.
Ema?
Ema? Luca.
Luca? No, not Luca
So?
Is it bent or the ground has moved?
Where is it bent?
Get off, get off me!
Dad, isn't it true
that you're buying me a guitar?
What?
See? You moron.
You promised!
Did you really say that?
Is it bent?
Why is he getting a guitar?
You gave your word, dad!
Then, I'm getting my racquet!
OK, if you pass your tests, we'll see
You'll see? You can't just go back on
a promise!
Give up, Tano. Give up. You cannot argue
with Perry Mason!
It looks nice, doesn't it?
Bent.
OK, I gotta go, bye.
Bye.
You're going to the birthday party in
those clothes?
Don't worry, I'm already married.
Exactly.
Do you need a ride?
No, I'm OK.
Where are the tartan trousers
I made you?
I'm gone!
Nice... but bent.
Sweet, you're gonna get covered in
feathers at the Gualeguaychu carnival.
You have no idea! Gualeguaychu is
amazing.
Estela, mom.
What are you thinking
about? Where are you?
Come on. It's
almost 12. We're all here. Come on, go
play the granny, will you?
Hey, don't be like that!
Like what? Like you, that's who
I take after.
Yeah, yeah. Come on, let's go.
You were born on June 26
Biographical Family Archive
Buenos Aires 2010
name has been Guido for 32 years and
I miss you...
La Plata city, 1975
Hold this.
It's me.
You can already save this.
This?
Long live Evita!
The enemy, in order to prevent students
from scrutinizing the situation
You go away.
Let him stay, go on.
The enemy, in order to prevent students
from scrutinizing the situation and
organizing themselves, sets a repressive
apparatus at school: It is forbidden to
get organized and do politics.
Did you write this?
What's the difference? Go on.
- Hi, Laura, you're back.
- Yes.
All alone?
Yes, alone.
Hide that magazine better if you don't
want me to see it.
They don't read the papers. They only
read that.
What's the matter with you? Did you also
turn into a gorilla?
Hey!
A gorilla, yes.
This is a part of a fight against a
government that plays with the Peronist
football shirt but is antipopular, dad!
All right, and who appointed Isabel?
Pern was manipulated at will, dad!
Ok, stop the Pern thing!
What did I tell you? What did I
tell you?
You could read them before getting
angry, couldn't you?
Why don't you give them to your
teachers?
To my teachers? What for?
There are people who are not interested
in doing politics but in other things.
Well, if you don't deal with politics,
politics deal with you, right?
Aw, Kibo for president! See?
He's learning!
Learning? Learning what? Learning to
repeat things like a parrot? I hope you
have learned things just as well for
your exam tomorrow.
Hi. Is everything all right?
Everything's all right.
What is all that mud?
Take off your shoes, please!
Are you staying for dinner, Laura?
No, they're waiting for me.
OK, you go and study! Now!
And that magazine... out of the house.
I gotta go, bye.
Bye, love. Are you staying for dinner?
Claudia!
What's wrong with that girl?
Security reasons, ata. It's normal.
Is it normal? Claudia ignoring me?
She's protecting herself and you.
Me? Why?
You fucking...!
Listen, listen.
Put that down a bit! Look,
I found it and it's got a roll.
Here, fellow.
Hey! It looks great! It's beautiful!
Are you staying?
No, turns out I can't stay.
Look, do you like it?
Be careful! It's fresh!
Too late.
Bye.
Stay put, you look pretty.
I am pretty.
Look. Do you like it, mom?
Honey.
Wake up.
What time is it?
Someone's here.
Yesterday they told me about a hostel.
No, try at Francisco's first. Sergio
spent a long time there.
No, we don't want that. We don't want
that. I, we've been thinking...
What are you doing here? What
happened?
Look.
The government was overthrew
by the army
"The military control operations
are being performed in
all the national territory according to
the plan. "
We're leaving for a couple of days.
How much do you need?
As much as you can.
"Announcement number one of the
Military Junta:"
Are you OK?
Yes.
"The population is informed that
hereafter,"
Hi, dear.
"The country is under the operational"
What are you going to do?
"Control of the Junta of General"
I don't understand what you're doing.
We're going to a hostel for a few days.
Oh.
"Commanders of the Armed Forces. "
Ok, thanks.
If you need more.
Yes, I'll let you know.
"All inhabitants are advised to
strictly obey all resolutions and
ordinances passed by military, security
or police authorities and to carefully
refrain from performing acts or adopting
attitudes, individually or as a group,"
Well,
bye.
Your hands are freezing. Put on
more clothes.
"That may require a drastic intervention
"by the operating personnel. "
Round head 8... 3 boxes.
Another one.
There are some
hexagonal ones here, dad!
Do I leave them here or
do I put them on the shelves?
Keep them apart.
Be careful with the merchandise.
Tell me another one.
Remo?
How are you?
Are you leaving already?
We are leaving for a minute
but we'll be right back.
Stay with Kibo, will you?
Do you feel better?
Yes.
We'll be right back.
Sweetie!
Hi.
Yes.
Come here.
They've come for me.
Then we have to tell our fellows,
they're probably coming home,
we have to take everything away.
I'm gonna need the pick-up.
Where are you going?
Take it easy, OK?
Easy?
Come here, come here.
She's right.
Have you seen what happened with
the Teacher Training College guys!
They haven't been found anywhere...
Yeah. Anyway, Rita and I
take all the necessary precautions.
Precautions my ass! You must flee. Rita?
I can take care of myself, mom!
Besides, do you think the military
cares so much about me?
I care about you.
And we have already discussed
this with your father.
We have the money to send you away.
Oh, don't start. I don't want to.
Please, Laura, I beg you!
No, no, no! I am not leaving!
You're gonna get killed if you stay here!
Do I have to put you to sleep
to send you abroad?
If you put me to sleep,
I'll wake up and take the first plane
back home.
She must have been delayed by the
move, right?
Laura is never late and certainly
not now.
Hey, don't scare me, what are you
thinking?
If I think, I go mad.
She said at five.
Are you going to her place?
I'll go, too.
You stay here, in case she calls.
"Er... explain it to him, Carlitos.
Yes, it was something I came up with but
I've also been thinking about
it and I don't know. "
And? "Quit? The three of us?
That's right.
Stand up to Barselli and tell him.
It's the three of us or none of us!
Or do you think it would be easy for him
to bring two draftsmen from one day
to the other?
When Torres asks for the project
tomorrow, what's he gonna give him?
Yeah, sure, but they can tell Torres"
Hello, yes,
"that they're handing in the project
next week and on Monday, they'll have"
can I speak to my brother, please?
"All the draftsmen they want the whole
company for a project, it's absurd. "
There's the pick-up!
Let me see! Stop, stop, stop! Please!
It's not safe!
I need to see! I need to see, please!
What happened?
I don't know, I don't know.
What happened?
Let's go!
Wait!
Let's go!
Wait,
We'll come back again during the day.
Why?
What? A neighbor told us.
He was looking for you and
that's when it happened.
Freeze!
They'll release him, mom.
Don't worry about me,
Claudia is in a safe place and me too,
you guys take care.
All right, Silvita,
we'll speak again soon, dear.
I'll call you back.
OK, take care.
Thank you.
Did you have your hair cut?
No.
It just looks different to me.
No, no. Thanks.
Come on, let's go.
Why are you awake, Estela?
I found her! I knew I had that number,
I'll call her tomorrow!
But we've talked about it, Estela,
what for?
What for?
I can't stand it any longer,
Ricardo, I can't stand it anymore!
Do you know anything about Claudia?
Claudia is all right.
Well, if you can consider all right to
go from one place to the other, hiding.
Don't talk to those people.
And who do I talk to?
Tell me, who do I talk to?
They don't know anything
at the police station!
They don't know anything
at the hospitals!
No one knows anything!
What do you want me to do?
It's been three weeks already!
What should I do?
Go to bed. You need to rest,
we'll discuss it tomorrow, ok?
Please!
Go to bed, Estela.
Ah! Go to bed! Go to bed! This guy!
Guido! Honey, Guido.
Darling, Guido. Guido!
Kids, kids! It's daddy! Come here!
Can you, honey?
Help me!
When those guys released your
grandfather, they told him to walk
without looking back.
He walked a bit, then turned around,
looked at them and unbuttoned
his jacket because he didn't want to...
As he thought
they were gonna kill him,
he didn't want his jacket to get stained,
because he thought I could use it.
Then some people he found
on the street helped him.
The first think he asked for was a comb.
To tell you the truth,
he came back as a quarter
of what he used to be.
The night he came back he spent eight
consecutive hours telling us
about the murders
and the tortures he had seen.
Then he spoke less and less.
I'd like you to take care of him,
the small one, Mariana's little brother?
Keep him close to you.
Hey! Don't run!
That one's a menace.
Mrs. Estela?
Yes.
You've got a call. It's Silvia.
I'll be right back.
Hi!
Hi, mom. How is he?
Well, he's pulling through.
How are you?
I've been feeling a bit sick.
I have to go to the gynecologist.
Err, excuse me,
would you give this to Marta.
I accidentally took it.
Sure.
Thank you.
A bit sick? Tell me about it.
No, not now. I have to go. I
love you, guys.
We love you, too.
Laura!
Laura!
Leave it, darling.
Something happened to her.
Leave it. It won't come out.
Hello? Hello? Hello?
This is a mess!
Is it too hard to keep things a
little tidy?
What are those clothes doing here?
Are you all right, darling?
Guido!
Go ahead, call him.
Let's wait. It's Sunday.
Chief of the army command.
Buenos Aires 1977
Come in. The General is waiting for you.
Thank you. May I come in?
I am very sorry to bother you.
Thank you.
I asked your sister for this meeting.
We've taught at the same school.
It's about my daughter, Laura.
It's been weeks since
we last heard from her.
You know what the problem is, madam?
We tell them to turn
themselves in voluntarily but...
and there's still that disrepute
campaign abroad.
There are model jails here
to get them recovered.
If my daughter committed a crime
she must stand trial, right?
I mean,
if she is found guilty of something,
she must go to jail.
We'll wait for her,
all her family will wait for her.
That's what you say, madam,
but I just came from Uruguay and there,
the Tupamaros who are in jail not
only get more clung to
their ideas but they
also end up persuading the jailers.
That's not gonna happen here.
Here, you gotta do what you gotta do.
...we gotta do it here, madam!
Please, sir, please.
I don't want to go crazy like
other mothers who are looking
for her daughter in cemeteries.
Don't kill her.
And if you have killed her already,
please give me the body!
How do they call her? Write it down.
Do you know her?
She's been wandering
around here for a while.
Good morning.
Good morning.
Guido?
Yes.
I don't have much time.
I've been kidnapped with Rita.
With Laura? She's alive!
Yes.
Hello!
Erminda!
How are you?
Fine.
Go ahead, please.
Serve the young lady,
she got here first.
No, no. I haven't decided yet.
Would you show me those again,
please?
I'll show you, I'll show you.
You know my daughter
is getting married, right?
We're throwing the party at home
so we'd like you to give us
an estimate.
Oh, leave the details, so we can
prepare it properly!
But could you knock a bit off the price?
Certainly, as usual.
Thank you very much. Good bye.
Where do they have her?
It's impossible to know. They take
us walled up.
What?
Blindfolded.
But how is she?!
She's six-month pregnant.
Before they released me,
she asked me to tell you
to look for the baby in Casa Cuna
by mid June. She thinks
they're gonna leave him there.
Why? Why there?
Why don't they leave him with us?
Let her talk.
She said that, if he was a boy,
she wants him to be named Guido,
after you.
Oh, darling, she's alive!
She's alive!
Casa Cuna, La plata 1978
Madam, you cannot come in here,
you're putting my job at risk.
I'm sorry.
I've already asked.
The baby that was brought yesterday
was picked up this morning.
Picked up? Where did they take him?
Children come and go all the time.
A judged ordered his adoption.
A judge? Do you know his name?
I can't give you that information.
It's confidential.
I'll have to ask you to leave,
madam, please.
Law Courts, Buenos Aires, 1978
I apologize.
The judge was at a meeting, you know.
I was not allowed to interrupt him.
That's what took us so long.
Look, I told him what you said
to me and the truth is,
Your Honor said that the best
you can do is stop looking.
What?
look, if you keep looking,
you'll end up getting in trouble.
You might end up in a ditch.
What?
Just that.
Did he say that?
Look, I need to go.
Did he say that?
I have to go. Excuse me.
The girl told me to ask there.
Some kids might be left
at Casa Cuna but most of them
What?
They are more than one would imagine.
They say kidnappers themselves
or military men's relatives take them.
I also went to Casa Cuna and nothing.
But I don't know where to ask anymore.
I know but still,
we have to keep asking.
The same happens to us because
no one pays any attention,
you know, politicians.
Not even priests, go figure.
That's why we have to be there.
Stay firm and not leave them alone
until they tell us where they are!
We're going to Plaza de Mayo tomorrow.
Do you dare, Estela?
Laura?
Tomorrow I'm going to Plaza de Mayo
with some women, you know?
I took it already.
No, you didn't.
I'm not sure if I'm going crazy
but today, in the street...
Oh, call the kids. Dinner's ready.
Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires 1978
Hi.
Move along, move along!
You are not allowed to be here.
Move along, move along!
Come on, madam,
come on, move along,
move along!
I can't, Beba, I can't do this.
No, no, don't be afraid.
That's what they want.
Walk, listen to me, walk.
Hello? Yes, it's me.
Would you give me the address,
please?
We'll be right there.
Do you think they have her here?
Will they give us the baby?
Madam, gentlemen,
the Captain is waiting for you.
Come in, please.
Do you know this person?
It's our daughter.
She was intercepted in Route 3,
she was accompanied by a man.
She was commanded to halt,
she answered with a fire gun.
Your daughter
died in a confrontation.
How did she die?
She died, madam, died, died!
She was killed!
She was killed!
It's OK. Calm down, please.
Darling...!
What did you do with the baby?
There's no baby, madam,
there's no baby.
Do you want your daughter's body?
Sign this paper and it's yours.
Right now, OK?
It's done, come on.
What do you mean there's no baby?
Sign this paper and take it, please!
It's done.
I'll ask you to leave, please.
This, sir.
You're right on time.
One more second and
I would have taken it.
If you also wanna take the kid
No, no. We don't know who he is,
what the fuck are you saying?
No one knows.
Cover her, Ricardo, please!
It's cold!
It's OK.
No!
It's OK.
No!
Ready. As good as new.
Thanks, darling.
What for? What for?
Did she fit in there?
She looked older, didn't she?
Throw everything away.
Laura? Laura?
Laura?
Laura?
He's right. He must go.
What's he gonna do?
He'll be safe in Sweden with Claudia.
I haven't finished!
But if he stays we could
at least see him from time to time.
Living with the military,
do you know
what could happen to him
when they found out he's a Carlotto?
We have to get him abroad,
no matter what!
"Serving the country"
What country?
Couldn't you find a worse one, huh
This one sucks! It sucks! Look!
We've been discussing
it with your father and you're
right, Kibo.
You should flee.
It's the best.
You'll be safer.
Listen to this!
Listen to this sound!
It's a tin! Look! Look!
This sucks, mom, it sucks!
Stop it! Please!
We all miss her! All of us!
What are you doing there in the cold?
Did you take your pills?
I think so.
I think so?
That's what I need!
You getting sick!
And I was right! It's bent!
Everything's bent.
Municipal Cementery. La Plata 1979
No one knows anything.
Somebody has to know something, Sir.
You're here all day.
People come and go all the time.
You must have seen someone.
No, I didn't see anything.
But listen to me, please!
I need to know
where my daughter is!
What do you want me to tell you?
I don't know anything, madam.
Please! I need to find my daughter!
That's what I am here for!
I don't know anything, madam!
OK, ask the manager.
Easy, we're both here, easy.
Defense Counsel of Human Rights.
San Pablo 1980
Well, we are permanently meeting
there in Buenos Aires.
And, well, we've been to Chile and
Uruguay, and our work clearly
shows that children
in those two countries.
The committee's actions
will be performed in all South America.
Luckily, we have the support
of the archbishopric.
Ha! The archbishopric?
Yes.
Where I was held under arrest,
there were many pregnancies.
Most of the times,
babies were delivered and
were killed.
Not all of them.
Some of them survived!
True. I remember one of them.
The day they released her,
I gave her a black lace bra.
And I told her
to take it as a souvenir.
What a stupid thing to say,
Her father had a paint shop
or something like that.
They took her away
for the delivery
and took her back alone and asleep.
When she woke up
Sometimes they took her out.
They took her out?
To the streets, for a ride,
so that she...
...would point at a fellow.
But she wouldn't betray anyone.
You're talking about my daughter, Laura.
They killed her.
And the baby?
What happened to the baby?
She had a healthy boy! Guido.
These are the frst of Argentine landing in
Puerto Argentino at Islas Malvinas...
I'm going to bed.
Go.
Bye, dad.
The attacks began at midnight.
The sky was covered by missiles...
ones of many planes crashed
in the Malvinas War...
that the enemy is unable to recognize...
Are you in a better mood now?
The thing is that customers
don't pay and
I'm not that good at numbers.
The Army was able to hoist our flag
again in the southern territory...
showing it's millitary power...
Where's that thing?
Fucking shit!
Hey, what's wrong?
Turn it off, please.
Dear Remo: So many things happened
and we haven't been able to talk.
We have to be confident.
All this massacre and persecution
cannot last forever.
Today, I regret not having
strengthened our relationship.
I would really like you
to feel that I'm your friend
and that you can tell me
all about you.
Daddy told me
you're not playing tennis anymore.
Why? Did you get bored?
Don't let life get you down.
You have to be strong
and optimistic.
I love you and miss you a lot.
Don't stop writing to me. Laura.
Kibo!
I was stopped at customs in Asuncin
and the policeman looks at me
and says don't you know
you cannot bring animals here?
Animals? What did you have?
The thing is I had bought
a charango
and had it with me all day.
They were talking about you.
He was actually talking to the charango.
Leave her alone, don't be silly.
OK, OK, OK
Our return was also complicated.
Besides, at Ezeiza...
They're watching us!
Who? Where?
Right there! Don't look!
Let's go.
Let's go.
There, don't look, mom.
We're leaving one at a time.
You go first.
I'll take the girl.
I'm staying with the girl, all right?
OK
No one is leaving this place.
What?
Pay the check, darling.
Estela. Tell her to stay here, dad.
I can't.
Mom!
Why didn't you stop her?
Hi. Yes, madam. How are you?
May I speak to the Doctor, please?
Oh, all right, all right.
Yes, Mrs. Carlotto.
Tell him to call me.
Tell him that, err...
we're here at the Capital
with my family, with my children,
who have just come to Argentina
to legalize and that,
well, we're here, having a good time
at a bar and there are some people
who look like they're from the
services and they're watching us.
Oh, thanks.
All right, tell him
that we're now going home,
to La Plata and please ask him
to inform that we're being followed,
yes. If we don't call you back in two hours,
please submit an habeas corpus.
That's right.
Well, thank you very much, madam.
Good afternoon.
OK, I've already talked to the lawyer
and now we're gonna stand up
really calmly, slowly and we're gonna get
in the pick up,
all of us, somehow!
Cramped at the back!
All together! Let's go!
Headquarters of Grandmothers
of the Plaza de Mayo Association.
Buenos Aires 1983
My responsibility is to ensure today
and forever democracy and respect...
I can't believe it.
For human freedom
in the Argentine territory.
So many people!
Would you pass those glasses?
Can I borrow them?
You're gonna get dizzy with these.
Girls, this is Abel.
My fellow was going
to the train station.
At that time,
we lived in Florida.
Three cars blocked her on the street.
I managed to see everything
but I couldn't help.
She was pregnant with Francisco.
There's a lot to do here, you know.
Besides, we're mostly women.
I'm serious. If you want to...
Of course I want to.
Hi.
So?
They moved again.
I'm leaving early tomorrow.
Again?
I left you some food.
Leave a picture of you, too.
I never see you nowadays.
If I see you on the streets,
I won't recognize you.
What are you saying, Tano?
You sound like a boy.
Is there anything you don't have?
I don't have a wife. How about that?
You know I'm tired.
I'm meeting a new human rights
group tomorrow.
What about my human rights?
Don't I have any?
Give that to me, darling.
Don't clam up like that.
Say what you think.
Lea, you're always seeing it half empty.
I'm fine. How are you?
Very well.
At least I see something.
But if we say A you say Z.
You're like that, Lea,
somebody has to tell you!
What's wrong? Is it el Tano?
Now you want to write letters.
You can read me like a book.
No, Ivonne, I didn't say that.
Every time I leave the house,
he makes a scene.
Talk then.
What's the point of talking?
He looks like a different person.
I always see the glass half empty.
Everything I say is useless!
I can't tell him anything.
I can't get angry because it's not
his fault but it also breaks my heart.
Estela, could you please tell
Lea to be clearer and to speak?
Don't look for allies!
We're all allies!
Or is anyone breaking away?
I suppose you're referring to me,
aren't you?
No. But you're always
objecting to everything.
You doubt if we're doing things
right or if you're going to find
your grandson.
Don't you ever doubt?
Yes but I cannot just sit down
and do nothing!
I'm home.
What are you doing, honey?
What's up?
Everything's misplaced.
Am I doing the right thing, honey?
Today I was thinking
"there are lots of grandmothers now".
What if I just quit? We could
spend more time together.
ata!
Don't you even think about that!
I'm getting a strong presbyopia, too.
Oh, thanks.
You know, this hand goes numb and
this one itches as if
I had an allergy or something.
Are you OK, Lea?
Yes, yes.
You stood up so suddenly.
Oh, well,
I have a bit of a headache, Estela.
Yesterday I...
No, it's OK.
I was too nervous.
I wasn't feeling well.
We all feel the same.
Do you forgive me?
There's nothing to forgive, Estela.
Come here.
What?
Here, look.
Let me see. It doesn't show.
What should I do?
I'd have it cut a bit.
Come here.
Look.
Oh, and with no glasses!
Scientists discover a way
to identify people with a blood test
I don't get it.
Greek to me. Can you explain?
Ivonne, I think this can help us
find our grandchildren.
Of course!
Girls, are we doctors, now?
Please! It can't be that simple,
I don't know. We're not their mothers.
OK, optimists on one side,
pessimists on the other side, please.
Do you understand?
Yes.
Our blood can help.
Yes, yes, yes, yes.
Do you see what this means?
Municipal Cementery. La Plata 1984
I didn't see her
when they gave us the body.
I couldn't see her!
It's as if I had never said goodbye!
The military is going to insist
on the confrontation, Claudia!
You'll see. When they stand trial,
they're going to say
what they always say.
That Guido does not exist!
What are you thinking about, mom?
That we should ask for the disinterment.
When I heard about the pregnancy,
I hit my head against the wall.
I wanted her to have a miscarriage.
They were the worst
news I could hear.
And now I regret it, right?
But I was afraid of
what they could do to her body
in that condition.
But she clung to her pregnancy
and to you and you managed
to live through it together.
They could steal bodies,
break them, throw them into the river
but they couldn't
destroy certain things,
certain dreams.
Your mother's dream was you
Municipal Cementery. La Plata 1985
She received two almost simultaneous
shots at a distance of 30 centimeters
approximately: One in her womb
and one in the nape.
Any of the shots would
have been enough to kill her.
There was no confrontation.
She was killed.
I knew that but still,
I needed to hear it.
You're a grandmother.
Laura's bones spoke.
Shall we go, honey?
I'm coming.
Biographical Family Archive.
Buenos Aires, 2010
He didn't wanna take it?
He didn't even come.
Hello, yes. When? In Madariaga's?
We'll finish the box and
I'll take it. OK, bye.
No!
He appeared!
I can't believe it!
Where are the pictures?
They're there. The one on top, there.
Mom?
She's at her office.
Sweetie! What a surprise!
You're gonna be surprised.
What happened?
Sit down.
Abel!
Wait!
Fatty!
Is that him?
There he is!
Oh
Abel! Abel! Wake up! Abel!
We've got news.
Well, How do I look?
Very nervous!
Yes, I know but how do I look?!
Perfect! Perfect!
This is yours, here you will find
pictures, memories, anecdotes
of people that knew your mother.
Recordings?
There are a lot of stories from friends.
These are the most beautiful of her.
Tano gave us a hand, right?
He sure did he sure did!
He's coming, you know?
So beautiful!
Your mother is so beautiful!
Look at her! You little thing!
I love you so much!
I knitted this one myself!
It was Laurita's favorite
Thanks, dear!
Thanks.
We didn't know where to start.
Time doesn't matter.
Florencia.
I know we'll meet.
Juan.
There is a family
that loves you and
is looking for you.
Life can also arise from pain.
Nicol...
Sooner or later,
the truth will come to light.
They put us down,
they stepped on us,
and we were able to stand up
and we're still standing up.
Today we are many and
can hold each other up.
Others will tell you your story.
Horacio.
I won't die without an embrace.
Mother's arms.
Francisco.
I don't know you and I dream of you.
Mara Eugenia.
We are waiting for you.
In the eyes of every boy I see, I look
for your mother's eyes.
I don't know how I can live without you.
Manuel
Claudia
And I'm here waiting for you.
Dear Guido, today you turn 33,
Christ's age as they say,
as we old women say
with this in mind,
I think about the tyrants.
That killed you when you were born
by erasing your name
your history your parents
Laura you grew up with another name
and a life full of lies
what those who took
you cannot imagine is that you
carry all the lullabies
and all the songs
your mother used to keep
you warm in your heart.
I know you'll wake up one day
knowing how much she loved you
and how much all of us still love you,
and that day,
you will wonder where to find us
that day, you will understand
why every time you
listened to Sui Generis,
Almendra or Pappo you could feel it
deep down inside you
that day, you will find those answers
and many more
You will finally wake to become
a free man. I am looking for you.
I'll wait for you.
Your grandmother Estela
Laura? Laura? Laura?
Laura?
Laura? Laura?
The last military dictatorship in
Argentina left more than 30,000 people
missing. Military personnel and
civilians are currently being put on
trial for crimes against humanity,
genocide and theft of babies.
Only 105 grandchildren,
of the more than 500 grandchildren
that have been kidnapped and deprived
of their identity,
have been reunited
with their families until now
The National Genetic Data Bank
was founded in 1987
and it was the first
of its kind in the world.
The Biographical Family Archive
was created in 1988.
Estela is the current Chairperson
of Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo.
She is still looking
for her grandson Guido.
On July 9th, 2007,
it snowed in the city of La Plata
Happy end number 81
Leonardo Fossati.
He regained his identity in August 2005.
Happy end number 64
Claudia Poblete Hlaczik
She regained her identity
in February 2000
Happy end number 57
Manuel Goncalves Granado
He regained his identity in August 1997.
Happy end number 94
Catalina De Sanctis Ovando
She regained her identity in
September 2008
Happy end number 75
Horacio Pietragalla Corti
He regained his identity in April 2003.
And 100 more happy endings...
...for now