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A Promise to the Dead: The Exile Journey of Ariel Dorfman 2007

91 min📅 2007-09-08

Dive into the hauntingly poetic journey of exile with *A Promise to the Dead: The Exile Journey of Ariel Dorfman* (2007), a compelling documentary directed by Peter Raymont.

Director: Peter Raymont

Cast

Ariel Dorfman
Rodrigo Dorfman
María Elena Duvauchelle
María Elena Duvauchelle
Paula Sharim
Paula Sharim
Antonio Skármeta
Antonio Skármeta
Juliet Stevenson
Juliet Stevenson

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *A Promise to the Dead: The Exile Journey of Ariel Dorfman* (2007) about?

This documentary traces the life of author Ariel Dorfman, whose family's political beliefs led to multiple exiles—from Argentina to the US and Chile—culminating in his flight after Pinochet's violent 1973 coup. It explores his personal and political struggles, the friends he lost, and the enduring impact of displacement.

Who directed *A Promise to the Dead: The Exile Journey of Ariel Dorfman*?

Peter Raymont directed this thought-provoking documentary, guiding viewers through Dorfman's reflections on exile and resilience.

Who stars in *A Promise to the Dead: The Exile Journey of Ariel Dorfman*?

The film features Ariel Dorfman himself alongside his son Rodrigo Dorfman, actress María Elena Duvauchelle, writer Antonio Skármeta, and narrator Juliet Stevenson.

Is *A Promise to the Dead: The Exile Journey of Ariel Dorfman* (2007) worth watching?

If you appreciate documentaries that blend personal narrative with historical weight, this film is a must-watch. Its poetic yet stark portrayal of exile and survival offers both emotional depth and intellectual engagement, making it a standout in the genre.

How long is *A Promise to the Dead: The Exile Journey of Ariel Dorfman*?

The runtime is 91 minutes, offering a concise yet rich exploration of its themes.

About A Promise to the Dead: The Exile Journey of Ariel Dorfman (2007) — A moving documentary on survival and exile

Dive into the hauntingly poetic journey of exile with *A Promise to the Dead: The Exile Journey of Ariel Dorfman* (2007), a compelling documentary directed by Peter Raymont. This film follows the life of internationally acclaimed author Ariel Dorfman, whose family's left-wing ideals forced them from Argentina to the US and later Chile, only to face another brutal expulsion after Pinochet's 1973 coup. Through Raymont's lens, Dorfman reflects on the scars of displacement, the loss of friends to political violence, and the enduring power of memory. The documentary blends intimate personal narratives with sweeping historical context, creating an atmospheric exploration of survival, resilience, and the weight of history.

Poetic yet unflinching, *A Promise to the Dead* captures the emotional toll of exile through Dorfman's eyes—his exile as a child, his role in Salvador Allende's Chile, and his eventual flight to safety. The film's tone oscillates between melancholy and defiance, underscored by Dorfman's eloquent reflections and interviews with key figures like Antonio Skármeta. With Rodrigo Dorfman and María Elena Duvauchelle among the featured voices, this documentary offers a profound meditation on identity, displacement, and the unbreakable bonds of family and country.