Vieques: An Endless Battle
For more than sixty years the United States Navy used the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, to test military weaponry and to train soldiers. Decades of opposition from the local community and international allies, lead to the withdrawal of the armed forces and the ending of all military activity on the island and its surroundings. After more than a decade of this departure, the Viequenses demand to the US Government a full cleanup, and the complete return of their lands. Unsatisfied with the lack of commitment from federal and state agencies to assume their responsibilities, the Viequenses face a new struggle for justice within their island.
To document the challenges and the current struggle of the Viequenses, filmmaker and journalist Juan C. Dávila interviews activists and personnel from the federal agencies in charge of the cleanup. The documentary compares and contrasts their arguments with research from Puerto Rican scientists, who are looking for solutions to the environmental hazards and improving the health of a community exposed to high levels of toxicity. VIEQUES: AN ENDLESS BATTLE recounts the history of Vieques and the islanders share their memories of an endless battle against the United States Navy.
Filmmaker Juan C. Davila is available for speaking engagements.
Production credit
Director, Writer, Editor: Juan C. Dávila
Producer: David Vega
Executive Producers: Juan C. Dávila, David Vega
Associate Producer: Pedro Cruz
Cinematographers: David Vega, Dionisio González, Gerson Reyes
Music: Kenny Rivera
Additional Photography: Isangélica Soto, Misael Rodríguez Quijano, Carlos Pérez, Pedro Cruz, Alfredo Aybar, Juan C. Dávila
Location Sound: David Vega
Sound Editor: Juan C. Dávila
Production Assistants: Erimar Landrón, Lizbeth Dávila, Lemaris Lorenzo, Vanessa Uriarte, Emil Soler, Mía Sarah Chardón, Risselis Ortíz López, Camila Frías Estrada