Ep 6. Las Madres: The Mothers of Plaza de Mayo

In POV season 1 episode 6, titled Las Madres: The Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, the focus is on the courageous and determined group of Argentine women known as the Madres de Plaza de Mayo.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Argentina was ruled by a military junta that was notorious for its brutal tactics against anyone perceived as a threat to the regime. Thousands of people were violently kidnapped, tortured, and killed in what became known as the Dirty War. The Madres de Plaza de Mayo were mothers and grandmothers of these victims who took to the streets in an effort to bring attention and justice to their loved ones' disappearances.

The episode follows the Madres and their leader, Azucena Villaflor, as they gather in Buenos Aires' Plaza de Mayo every Thursday, wearing white headscarves to symbolize their peaceful protest. The mothers endured intimidation, violence, and arrest by the police and military during their weekly vigils, but they persisted in their demand for answers and accountability.

The Madres also formed relationships with other human rights organizations and the media, who helped publicize their cause and put pressure on the government to acknowledge and investigate the disappearances. The episode includes archival footage of the Madres' protests and media appearances, as well as interviews with surviving Madres and their supporters.

Overall, Las Madres: The Mothers of Plaza de Mayo is a moving and inspiring portrayal of a group of women who refused to be silenced and fought for justice in the face of extreme adversity. The episode offers historical context and background on the Dirty War and the Madres' role in shedding light on the regime's atrocities. It also shows how grassroots activism and collective action can be a powerful force for change, even in the face of state violence and repression.