Lorraine Williamson
Authorities in Madrid are attempting to prevent the screening of three Venezuelan films at the cultural institution Casa de América, arguing that they serve as propaganda for President Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
The regional and municipal governments, both controlled by the conservative Partido Popular (PP), have urged the institution to cancel Operación Orión, La batalla de los puentes, and Alí Primera, citing concerns over their political messaging.
Casa de América caught in political dispute
Casa de América, a Madrid-based cultural centre fostering ties between Spain and Latin America, regularly hosts exhibitions, debates, and film screenings. However, the decision to show these Venezuelan films has sparked controversy.
Madrid officials claim the films present a distorted version of events in Venezuela, portraying the government in a favourable light while downplaying accusations of human rights violations. The PP argues that public institutions should not provide a platform for material that supports authoritarian regimes.
Films focus on Venezuelan political clashes
The three films in question depict major events in Venezuela’s recent history. Operación Orión focuses on a failed paramilitary operation allegedly aimed at assassinating Maduro, while La batalla de los puentes recounts the 2019 effort by opposition groups to bring humanitarian aid from Colombia, which was blocked by Venezuelan forces. Alí Primera explores the legacy of the Venezuelan folk singer associated with leftist movements in the country.
Critics argue that the films present a one-sided narrative. Members of the Venezuelan diaspora in Spain warn they downplay the repression of opposition figures and journalists. Others fear they could mislead audiences about the political reality in Venezuela.
Casa de América cancels screenings amid pressure
Casa de América announced on social media that the film series, originally scheduled by the Venezuelan Embassy in Spain for 17, 18, and 24 March, has been suspended. This decision follows mounting political pressure and criticism over the screenings.
Meanwhile, a post on X (formerly Twitter) by user @2021Ruben accused Madrid’s regional president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, of censoring and banning the screenings. The tweet stated: “Isabel Díaz Ayuso, Presidenta de la comunidad de Madrid, censura, prohíbe la exhibición tres películas venezolanas Operación Orión caso Daktari, Alí Primera y La batalla de los puentes en Madrid.”
Publicly funded institutions and political neutrality
Casa de América describes itself as a neutral space for cultural exchange, but the debate raises wider questions about the role of publicly funded institutions. Should they remain completely impartial, or do they have a duty to reject content seen as politically motivated?
This dispute comes amid broader discussions on media and political influence in Spain. The Spanish government has recently introduced measures to combat disinformation, and cases like this highlight ongoing tensions between cultural programming, political narratives, and freedom of expression.
What next for Casa de América?
With the screenings now cancelled, the issue reflects broader concerns over government influence on cultural institutions and Spain’s evolving relationship with Venezuela.
With 325,254 Venezuelan residents, Spain has seen a significant rise in migration in recent years, making diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations increasingly sensitive.