A Cinematic Mirror on Post‑Conflict Healing

On July 14, the CMIA, International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice and the the New York City Bar Association held a premiere showing of Después del Frío (After the Cold), directed by award-winning Colombian journalist and podcaster, Maria Jimena Duzan. The documentary presents an intimate, unflinching look at reconciliation efforts after Colombia’s 40-year armed civil conflict, formally concluded in 2016 with the signing of an historic Peace Accord between the Colombian Government and the FARC guerrillas.

The film reveals that the hard work of peace only truly begins once the ink on any negotiated peace accord dries. Capturing intimate and often painful testimonies from former guerrillas, military officers, and civilians, Duzán's film reveals the long process that mutual understanding and healing require. Whether in moments of painful silence or courageous dialogue among the film’s protagonists, the documentary centers on the common humanity of these formerly violent opponents.

Following the screening, director Duzán and María Camila Moreno of ICTJ offered a fireside chat in which they spoke to the challenges of filming vulnerable exchanges and the importance of narrative in transitional justice. The conversation reinforced what the documentary makes clear: peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of memory, contrition, forgiveness and, ultimately, justice.

The Center for Media Integrity of the Americas believes in the power of documentary and journalistic storytelling as a tool for justice. Después del Frío gives voice to those who have been historically silenced. So does the CMIA, by supporting fact-based journalism that holds power to account.

Without such an honest and transparent accounting of a violent past, there can be no hope to build lasting peace.