This inspiring oral history pays tribute to the International Brigades who traveled from over 50 countries to fight in the Spanish Civil War. Directors Alfonso Domingo and Aanthony Geist here focus on the 2,800 Americans who volunteered their services. Veteran Bob Steck, for instance, explains that, “the task was to defeat fascism and defend the democratic spirit.” The filmmakers return to the sites of key battles and document Spanish and American tributes to fallen comrades. Newsreel footage clips from earlier documentaries (such as 1974 Dreams and Nightmares) and folk songs recreate the spirit of 1936. Now in their 80s and 90s, the volunteers recount their three turbulent years as fighters for the Republican cause. —Seattle Film Festival 2007
DIRECTOR ANTHONY L. GEIST & ALFONSO DOMINGO USA/SPAIN, 2006, 52 MIN
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