Scots who stood up to Pinochet become a real-life film

A film based on the real-life story of Scottish pensioners who stood up to dictator General Pinochet of Chile is set for release.

Nae Pasaran! will be released in UK cinemas from 2 November, and has already been nominated for two BAFTA Scotland awards for Feature Film and Director – Factual.

Directed and produced by Felipe Bustos Sierra, 40 years after their defiant stand in protest against General Pinochet’s Air Force in Chile, Scottish pensioners discover the incredible outcome of their solidarity.

In 1974, factory workers at Rolls-Royce East Kilbride in Scotland refused to repair and return the military jet engines of Pinochet’s Air Force, in protest against their use during the 11 September 1973 air raid on Santiago.

The Chilean coup overthrew Salvador Allende, the first democratically-elected left-wing government in Latin America. Bob Fulton, an engine inspector and WWII vet, put his job on the line to boycott any work on the Chilean engines.

Backed by the entire workforce, Bob and his colleagues kept the engines in the factory yard, falling prey to the Scottish elements, for four years.

One night the engines mysteriously vanished, leaving the workers to believe their actions were meaningless and unaware of the scale of their impact.

Nae Pasaran reveals how three Scots became Commanders of the Republic of Chile

Nae Parasan! tells the unlikely story of how a group of pensioners from East Kilbride became Commanders of the Republic of Chile.

It is the painstakingly-documented and emotional account of the impact of their action, and for the very first time, the feature film brings in the story of the many Chileans who crossed paths with the engines.

The film celebrated its world premiere at the closing gala of the Glasgow Film Festival 2018.

Director and producer Felipe Bustos Sierra said: ‘After six years of research and work, I’m delighted that Nae Pasaran! and its story of solidarity, compassion and persistence will be shared with audiences.

‘The visceral reactions and fantastic word-of-mouth after each of our preview screenings highlighted how relevant these stories are today. It’s extra fuel to our fire and Bob, Robert, Stuart, John and myself are looking forward to support the film as it rolls out.’

Click HERE for more details.