Released by Fundacion Solon in 2017, this video is about "the mega hydroelectric plants of Chepete and El Bala that the Bolivian government wants to build in the Bolivian Amazon. The audiovisual is an invitation to reflect on the living reality that is threatened by these mega hydroelectric plants. CEPITE is the Mosetén language name of the narrow portion of the Beni river where the Chepete dam is intended to be built. CEPITE means mysterious place, where you can hear rumbling or something moving, and where the river turns in all directions creating whirlpools. The legend of a giant snake that once wanted to interrupt the passage of boats along the Beni River is taxed in the narrowness of CEPITE. After a hard fight, the snake was defeated by an ancient god and transformed into stone. In rock formations you can still see the forked tongue of a snake." Although the video is in Spanish, there are English closed captions below. Throughout this 22 minute video you can hear "voices of the authorities that advocate the construction of the mega hydroelectric plants of El Bala and El Chepete with images of the jungle and the indigenous peoples. The representatives of power are never seen in the video, only heard. They talk about a zero involvement by mega hydroelectric plants while life in the jungle passes without knowing the danger that lurks. The promises of huge profits from the export of electricity are contrasted with the results of the studies that the government sent to carry out. The artificial beats of the energetic heart of South America intermingle with the beats of CEPITE. CEPITE tells the story of resistance against these mega projects that will create the third largest lake in Bolivia. From the rebel outrage of the people to the vigil that achieved the departure of the consulting firm Geodata. From his first victory to the frustration of seeing how the company returns to the area with some leaders. Chepete is the dream of a wild development that will only bring more debt and desolation. CEPITE is a living reality that summons us to forge a different future. The information on the environmental, social and economic impacts are based on the Identification Studies made by the Italian consulting firm Geodata hired by the National Electricity Company (ENDE)." The links below the video provide additional information. You can view the video here.
El Bala and El Chepete: the impact of hydroelectric dams in Bolivia