The Bullets of the Poets

Description: The Revolutionary war in Nicaragua against the oppressive and corrupt dictatorship of Anastasio Somoza was lead by women, many of whom were sensitive poets. These Sandinista women had to put aside their inhibitions about killing along with sensitivities as artists, to bring compassionate social change and equality to their country. Bullets Of The Poets is about these women at a time in 1986, when the Regan Administration was backing a Contra war to destroy the new socialist, democracy the women sacrificed their innocence and youth, to bring about. In 1978, a 22 year old woman, Dora Marie Tellez, commanded the Sandinista forces that took the city of Leon from the well equipped Somoza army. Earlier that year she had successfully negotiated the demands of her guerilla group in a daring raid on the National Palace, taking senators hostage in exchange for such important political prisoners as FSLN leader Thomas Borge. Filmed on location in Nicaragua, this film focuses on six women who recount their struggles during the Sandinista Revolution and their reliance on writing poetry in order to cope. “This is a salute to the women and poetry of Nicaragua – a toast to the power of verse and the indomitable courage of the female fighters who, throughout their country’s history, have in many cases, fought their battles with the lyrical pen until they were able to do it by force of arms.” –David Leser, WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN