The Pearl Button by Patricio Guzmán is a powerful documentary that explores themes of memory, water, and the impact of colonization and dictatorship in Chile. I found the cinematography beautiful and the narration very thoughtful and important. Guzmán connects the stories of indigenous people from Patagonia with those who suffered under Pinochet’s regime. One of the main themes is how history can be forgotten or erased, especially when it involves violence or injustice. The film uses water to symbolize life and loss, showing how the ocean holds the memories of those silenced. Documentaries like The Pearl Button are important because they preserve these hidden stories and give a voice to people who were often ignored. By telling the truth about the past, documentaries help us understand where we come from and remind us not to repeat the same mistakes.