Brisa, directed by Nick Nanton, chronicles the decades-long fight waged by Brisa De Angulo against the Bolivian government. What was the reason for her legal crusade? Tragically, while just 15 years old, Angulo was raped by an extended family member who was staying with Angulo’s family for a while. The sexual abuse lasted several months. After finally telling her parents what was going on, Brisa De Angulo decided to file charges against her abuser. Unfortunately, that is when her nightmare truly began.
The law enforcement officials and prosecutors in Bolivia treated Angulo like a contemptible piece of trash. A female prosecutor had Angulo repeat her story 5 or 6 times. Each time was recorded, and the prosecutor told the teenage girl that she (the prosecutor) knew that Angulo was lying. As such, the prosecutor would listen to the tapes over and over until she could find the lie. The doctors who examined her were not any better: they had Angulo get naked — no gown provided — and anybody was allowed to come and go from her room whenever they wanted.
And yet somehow, things got even worse. The judge in Angulo’s case found the perpetrator guilty of a different crime, one not named in the case itself. The case moves up the system, and the higher court agrees that a new trial must happen because of this error. It gets delayed, delayed, and delayed. Then the offender escapes. With little recourse left, Angulo moves to the United States and attempts to get her life in order. It is here that the young lady decides to pursue a law degree and take her stagnant case into her own hands.
“…Angulo was raped by an extended family member…officials and prosecutors in Bolivia treated Angulo like a contemptible piece of trash.”
Brisa spans two decades in just 93 minutes, a feat of efficiency at its finest. What is remarkable is that in such a quick runtime, it feels like no stone is left unturned. Obviously, Angulo is interviewed, but her parents, lawyers, and husband are all given plenty of time to talk as well. Nanton also looks at the A Breeze Of Hope, the non-profit Angulo started to provide free legal, social, and psychological support to girls, boys, and adolescents who are survivors of sexual violence.
The interviews never feel rushed or like anything important was left out. By letting all talking take time, the sheer gravity of what happened to Angulo and the even worse aftermath is felt in every word. No spoilers, but the big culmination of the case against the government has several tear-jerking moments.
Brisa is a dramatic, heartwrenching story that is sadly true. But Nanton expertly tells it, tracing the trials and tribulations Brisa De Angulo faced with sincerity and patience. Angulo is a hero, selflessly fighting to create change so that no one ever faces the scorn and shame she was forced to endure by the government and laws meant to help her. The documentary is equally heartbreaking and uplifting, which sums up the emotional rollercoaster the subject has been through for so long.
For more information on Brisa, visit the Astonish Entertainment site.
"…dramatic, heartwrenching story that is sadly true."
