risingtideproject.org – Zombies in the Sugar Cane Field: The Documentary (2019) is a fascinating exploration of a forgotten horror film from 1965. Directed by Pablo Schembri, this documentary delves into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the creation, disappearance, and eventual rediscovery of Zombies in the Sugar Cane Field, a film that predates George A. Romero’s iconic Night of the Living Dead.
A Precursor to the Modern Zombie Genre
The 1965 film, directed by Ofelio Linares Montt, was a low-budget horror film set in the sugar cane fields of Tucumán, Argentina. The film, though crude by modern standards, was groundbreaking in its depiction of a zombie apocalypse, predating Romero’s work by several years.
Zombies in the Sugar Cane Field (1965) was a product of its time, reflecting the social and political turmoil of Argentina in the 1960s. The film’s zombie hordes can be seen as a metaphor for the oppressive regime of Juan Carlos Onganía, who seized power in 1966. The film’s allegorical nature, combined with its horror elements, made it a controversial and subversive work.
A Mysterious Disappearance
Despite its potential impact, Zombies in the Sugar Cane Field (1965) was lost to history. The film was never officially released, and its prints disappeared without a trace. For decades, it remained a mere rumor, a ghost story among film buffs and horror enthusiasts.
A Cinematic Detective Story
Zombies in the Sugar Cane Field: The Documentary follows the journey of filmmaker Pablo Schembri as he attempts to uncover the truth behind the lost film. The documentary weaves together interviews with film critics, historians, and survivors of the Onganía regime, offering a fascinating glimpse into the film’s production and its subsequent disappearance.
Through archival footage, rare photographs, and firsthand accounts, the documentary brings to life the world of 1960s Argentine cinema. It explores the political and cultural context in which the film was made, shedding light on the censorship and repression that characterized the era.
A Haunting Legacy
Zombies in the Sugar Cane Field: The Documentary is more than just a film about a lost movie; it’s a meditation on the power of cinema to transcend time and space. The documentary highlights the enduring appeal of horror, a genre that taps into our deepest fears and anxieties.