Jayro Bustamante's 'Eruption' Confronts Genocide

Filmmaker Jayro Bustamante is creating "Eruption," a documentary-art film seeking to illuminate Guatemala's often-overlooked history. Bustamante stated that existing historical accounts omit crucial details about genocide and Spanish subjugation, focusing instead on wars. This new work aims to present a more complete narrative.

The film incorporates dance sequences and interviews with figures such as Nobel Peace Prize laureate Rigoberta Menchú Tum and Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo. Bustamante describes "Eruption" as a collective story, built from the perspectives of women, students, artists, and indigenous peoples, creating a dialogue across generations.

"Eruption" will trace Guatemala's history from Spanish arrival through its struggles for independence and democracy, highlighting periods of military regimes, dictatorships, and U.S. intervention. The narrative acknowledges the country's resilience despite facing 40 years of conflict, genocide, and subsequent corruption.

Bustamante's earlier film, "La Llorona," also explored Indigenous issues. His feature "Mountains of Fire" is set to premiere in Guatemala on May 16 and is nominated for a sound award at the Premios Platino. Additionally, Bustamante co-directed the Netflix series "Palace," slated for release in November, and is co-writing a WWII drama titled "Downwind."