The 1968 documentary La hora de los hornos established Fernando Solanas as a central figure in political cinema, exploring themes of neo-colonialism and social upheaval. Born in Olivos in 1936, Solanas spent his career navigating the intersection of filmmaking and legislative power in Argentina, ultimately serving as an ambassador to UNESCO before his death in France in 2020.
Cinematic Foundations and Third Cinema
Solanas developed his professional skills through the study of theatre, music, and law. His early work as a director began with the 1962 short Seguir andando. He soon joined the Grupo Cine Liberación, a movement that prioritised political voice over traditional studio constraints. By co-authoring the manifesto Towards a Third Cinema, he advocated for a model of production explicitly opposed to Hollywood and European auteur standards. This approach culminated in films such as The Hour of the Furnaces, which earned international recognition including the Sutherland Trophy in 1972.
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During the 1970s, Solanas faced severe threats from right-wing forces in Argentina, leading to his departure for Paris in 1976. He remained in exile until the restoration of democracy in 1983. Upon his return, he continued to use film as a medium for public discourse. In 1991, he suffered an assassination attempt, being shot six times in the legs following public criticism of President Carlos Menem. Despite this violence, he persisted in his creative work, releasing films like Sur, which won the Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1988.
Legislative Service and Diplomacy
Solanas expanded his political influence by seeking formal office. He served as a member of the Argentine Chamber of Deputies from 1993 to 1997 and returned to the position for a second term between 2009 and 2013. Following this, he was elected to the Argentine Chamber of Senators, serving from 2013 to 2019. In his final years, he acted as the Argentine ambassador to UNESCO. He passed away on 6 November 2020 in Neuilly-sur-Seine while serving in this diplomatic capacity.
Fast facts
- Born: 1936, Olivos
- Died: 2020, Neuilly-sur-Seine
- Senate Term: 2013-2019
- Cannes Best Director: 1988
- Sutherland Trophy: 1972
- Languages: Spanish, French
- Citizenship: Argentina
Questions readers ask
Did Solanas win international awards for his films?
Yes, he received the Sutherland Trophy in 1972 and the Cannes Best Director Award in 1988, among other international recognitions.
What political offices did Solanas hold?
He served as a member of the Argentine Chamber of Deputies from 1993 to 1997 and 2009 to 2013, as a National Senator from 2013 to 2019, and as an ambassador to UNESCO.
Achievements
- Worked as theatre director, politician and film director
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