When the Mountains Tremble Directed by Newton Thomas Sigel & Pamela Yates, 1984

A beautiful tapestry of simple people caught in the continuous upheaval of political turmoil. - San Francisco Examiner

The film that shook audiences and critics alike upon its original theatrical release, this revolutionary tour-de-force and Sundance Film Festival winner is now available for the first time on DVD. Digitally remastered to commemorate its 20th Anniversary, this special edition chronicles the astonishing story of one woman who stood up for her people and helped wage a rebellion in the wake of seemingly unconquerable oppression.

Shot at the height of a heated battle between the heavily-armed Guatemalan Military and a nearly defenseless Mayan population, filmmakers Pamela Yates and Newton Thomas Sigel threw themselves into the center of a storm to capture live combat footage with a surprisingly robust passion and exhilarating flair. As the first film to depict this previously unreported war, it is firmly anchored by the firsthand accounts of Rigoberta Menchú, a Quiché Indian woman known around the world for her humanitarian efforts. Throughout the imminent chaos and danger, Menchú provides courage and optimism in a time where death squads kill without conscience and an oppressive dictator seizes power.

Updated after Menchú was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, WHEN THE MOUNTAINS TREMBLE includes a compelling filmmaker commentary as well as a never-before-seen forward from Susan Sarandon and an illuminating epilogue reflecting on the country’s events a decade later.

Bonus Features

Filmmaker Commentary from Pamela Yates, Newton Thomas Sigel, and Peter Kinoy; Introduction by Susan Sarandon; Epilogue Featuring Rigoberta Menchu; Filmmaker Biographies; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection