Doris is a young Awá tribal leader who takes charge to protect a group of internal refugees fleeing combat between the army and the guerrillas. While speaking at a U.N. press conference in Colombia’s capital, she learns that five people from her village were slain by masked men. Despite the risks, Doris returns to her village and continues leading the vulnerable Awá people whose livelihood, growing coca leaves – the base for cocaine, makes them targets for the U.S.-funded fumigations. Doris is determined to defend her people and end the violence by speaking out.
Ludis is a spunky Kankuamo widow, and mother of three, who is framed and imprisoned on false charges of rebellion. After a year, Ludis is released from prison. She returns to her village and forms a weaving collective with other female victims of the systematic murders perpetrated by paramilitary bands. Later, Ludis confronts her husbands’ killer and spares her sons from perpetuating this cycle of violence.
Flor Ilva is the first woman entrusted to lead her 300-year-old Nasa taribal government. She faces a crisis caused by police barracks that endanger civilians by placing them in the rebels’ line of fire. After the army kills an 11-year-old boy, Flor Ilva spearheads a peaceful movement to dismantle the barracks. Despite this small victory, Flor Ilva and her people are still not safe. Their tribal lands continue to be militarized by opposing armies.
“Through the stories of Doris, Ludis, and Flor Ilva, three women from separate tribes who have become leaders in their communities, Karsin offers a glimpse of hope in one of the region’s bleakest environments.”
– Take Part – Digital Division of Participant Media
