In a small apartment in Buenos Aires, an old woman eagerly awaits the birth of her grandchild and all the joys of becoming a grandmother. However, horrific circumstances mean she is forced to wait over 30 years. Abuelas explores the traumatic ramifications of General Videla's military dictatorship in Argentina from 1976-83, whereby an estimated 30,000 men, women and children, 'disappeared'. Using real-life testimonials from members of the 'Grandmothers of May Square', this animated-documentary raises issues of memory and loss. The film is testament to the extraordinary tenacity of these women, who continue fighting for the truth about their missing relatives.
Afarin Eghbal, Iranian-born, moved to London as a baby with her family following the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Afarin hopes to continue bridging the gap between animation and documentary, using mixed-media to explore complex social and political issues through non-polemic narrative.
