|
 The
Last Conquistador
(2007, 52 min.) US
Director: John J. Valadez and Cristina Ibarra
A co-production of the Independent Television Services (ITVS).
A co-presentation of Latino Public Broadcasting, Native American
Public Telecommunications and KERA Dall/Fort Worth
 John
Houser's project of sculpting an immense bronze equestrian statue
of Juan de Oñate for the city of El Paso to honor the Hispanic
contribution to the building of the American West ignites a controversy;
Native Americans remember the Spanish Conquistador as one who
brought genocide and brutal treatment to their peoples. The documentary
charts the transformation of the statue into a representation
of unresolved conflicts between race, class, and the historical
memories of people in a multicultural society.
Image credit: Artist John
Houser stands atop his statue of Juan de Oñate -Photo courtesy
of The XII Travelers Committee; Protesters at a meeting of the
El Paso City Council - Photo courtesy of Valadez Media; Artist
John Houser with head of Juan de Oñate - Photo courtesy
of The XII Travelers Committee
|
 |
 |
|
|
