“The Red Hangar” is a gripping black and white Chilean drama that is set to premiere at the Berlinale’s Perspectives sidebar. The film delves into the little-known events surrounding the military coup that led to the ousting of Chile’s president, Salvador Allende. Taking place over the first three days of the takeover, the movie sheds light on a silenced chapter of Chilean history, focusing on the Air Force officers and enlisted personnel who resisted the coup and faced brutal retaliation from within their ranks.
Directed by documentarian Juan Pablo Sallato in his fiction feature debut, “The Red Hangar” captures the founding moment of horror as the country collapses under the weight of the military coup. The film explores the corridors where unspoken truths reverberate louder than screams, presenting a raw and unflinching portrayal of individuals trapped between power and guilt.
Based on the book “Shoot the Flock” by investigative journalist Fernando Villagrán, the story revolves around Captain Jorge Silva, the former head of Air Force Intelligence. Reassigned to instruct young cadets at the Air Force Academy, Silva is given a command that will change his life forever—to turn the Academy into a prison known as the Red Hangar, where detainees are subjected to brutality and interrogation.
The film pays homage to Silva, who passed away in London in August 2024, shortly before filming began. Sallato, who closely collaborated with Silva during the production, describes him as a man who never compromised his principles, even in the face of acknowledgment or reparations from the Air Force. The director reflects on the moral ambiguity that deeply moved him while working on the project.
Shot in black and white, “The Red Hangar” captures the essence of the period, with Sallato drawing inspiration from Villagrán’s description of the coup as a moment where everything felt black and white. The decision to shoot in monochrome serves as a visual analogy for the film’s themes and sets it apart from other works about the era.
Casting Nicolás Zárate as Captain Silva was a decision guided by intuition, with the actor’s performance adding depth to the complex character. The film, a Chilean-Argentine-Italian co-production, was mainly shot in Mendoza, Argentina, with support from the Argentine film institute INCAA. The project’s exploration of a dark chapter in Chilean history promises to be a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience for audiences worldwide. Support from INCAA was crucial for the production of “The Red Hangar”, as well as a cash rebate in Mendoza facilitated by their partners at Brava Cine, according to Sallato.
The timing of the world premiere of “The Red Hangar” just weeks before the inauguration of far right-wing leader José Antonio Kast as president of Chile is not lost on Sallato. The irony of this situation is palpable, given the political climate in the country.
Reflecting on how the film’s director, Silva, would feel about the current political landscape in Chile and around the world, Sallato expresses a sense of concern. Silva, who experienced firsthand the consequences of historical decisions and silences, would likely be troubled by the rise of authoritarian discourse and the normalization of impunity globally.
Lead produced by Villano Producciones in Chile, with Juan Ignacio Sabatini at the helm, “The Red Hangar” is a collaborative effort with co-producers Brava Cine and HD Argentina from Argentina, Rain Dogs, Berta Films, and Caravan from Italy, and the participation of TVN Italia.
The film’s production was made possible through the support of various organizations, including INCAA and Brava Cine, highlighting the importance of collaboration in the filmmaking industry. The themes explored in “The Red Hangar” resonate with current events, making it a timely and thought-provoking piece of cinema.
As the film makes its debut, it serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to shed light on pressing issues and provoke reflection on the world we live in. “The Red Hangar” stands as a testament to the creative vision and dedication of its creators, who have brought this compelling story to life on the screen.
