The Roar of the Butterflies (2023): Season 1, Episode 12 - Episode #1.12 - full transcript
PREVIOUSLY
The only thing we can do is
keep him from suffering.
Many have died.
Many are our fellow citizens.
Mate, Mate.
He wants to offer you
a safe conduct pass to leave the country.
We’re winning the war against communism.
Didn't you hear the news?
I can't dance on anyone's grave.
Whore!
You’re asking me to release communists.
To friends who don't forget.
We can't continue
to live in fear.
Starting today,
we will start organizing
as a political party.
This story is inspired by real events.
All characters and events depicted
have been created for dramatic purposes.
Any similarity with reality
is purely coincidental.
Thousands of people
have registered with the party.
And there’ll be
many more to come.
People need a voice that represents them.
Patria said the response
in the South has been impressive.
So much support could help
get us a meeting with the OAS mission.
We have to speak up for
our comrades in prison.
We’re trying, but we haven’t
gotten a response from them yet.
I don't even know if they’ve
received our petition.
Look, they have to answer us.
We're not crazy people
just speaking for ourselves.
We're a political party.
The first minority opposition party.
They won't refuse us.
MILITARY INTELLIGENCE SERVICE
- It's them.
- It's them, right?
Fire! Fire!
Outside, go outside.
Hands up!
Hands up!
- Let go of me!
- Mate!
Walk. Keep walking.
Let go of me!
Get in!
Caribe Night Club
the ROAR of the BUTTERFLIES
We live in a dictatorship!
Assholes! Let her go!
Release her!
Sorry.
It hurts a lot.
Let us out of here.
Don't waste your energy.
They're not going to release us.
Why did they bring us here?
I have no idea.
Manolo and Leandro
are going to be tortured to death.
Like they did to Dad.
Don't talk like that.
It doesn't... doesn't help anything.
They brought everyone from the movement
here and they're not here now.
I want out of here, please.
We can't take it anymore!
I can't breathe.
Does it count or not?
You're the prisoner. Get in there.
Shut up.
Animals.
What did you say?
Look, look.
Stop making all that noise.
No more whining.
Gentlemen,
you'll be hard pressed to find prisons
like this one in other countries,
ones where inmates' human rights
are respected.
Here, they work, are paid,
study, and are reformed.
A prison where there
are political prisoners
can never be considered a model prison.
What are you saying? Political prisoners?
There are none of those here.
General Trujillo, let's talk seriously.
Sir, I always speak seriously.
I'll show you.
Hey, you! You, come here.
Tell these gentlemen why you're in prison.
I was convicted of armed robbery,
Generalissimo.
You see?
That's the kind of prisoner
you'll find here.
Thieves, murderers, rapists,
but not political prisoners.
Here in the Dominican Republic, we don't
know what political prisoners are.
-Isn't that right, Joaquín?
-That's how it's always been, General.
What about the Mirabal sisters?
Aren't they in jail?
Well, the Mirabal sisters...
Let me explain.
The Mirabal sisters are
dangerous communists
who ought to be locked up
and have the key thrown away.
But no, they're not.
Yes, sir, but I remind you that
the winds are changing
and that both the Church
and the international press
are applying pressure.
Look,
if you mention the Mirabal sisters
to me again,
I'll have to tell you again that
they're not in custody.
Don't forget that with this visit
the Dominican Republic's support from
the Organization of American States
member countries is at stake.
Senator Butler, I haven't forgotten.
That's one of my defining traits.
Not forgetting.
Remember the song I sang
to you when you were little?
Mm?
♪ The little mouse Miguel ♪
♪ The little mouse Miguel ♪
♪ He's come here ♪
♪ So happy to dance ♪
♪ Because the cat Misifú ♪
♪ Asleep in the house ♪
♪ Doesn't know about ♪
♪ The party today ♪
♪ Shh, there's no need to yell ♪
♪ We don't want to wake him up ♪
♪ Let's dance without making noise ♪
♪ Because even a mouse ♪
♪ Usually has a heart ♪
♪ For singing, for laughing, for dancing ♪
♪ The situation is ♪
- Shut up!
- ♪ Terrifying and very scary ♪
Quiet, dammit!
♪ And you will see ♪
Shut the fuck up!
♪ How a hungry
Mouse will die ♪
♪ There's no cheese anymore ♪
Silence!
♪ And much less a slice of ham ♪
♪ We'll see ♪
Shut the fuck up!
♪ Who will rip out
Misifú's heart ♪
Come on. Hard.
KID ROMERO GYM
Shit! I wasn't expecting to see you here.
What are you doing here, girl?
Someone needs your services.
Who?
Arantxa.
No, no.
No, no. I want nothing to do with her.
She needs to leave the country urgently.
Land with your right fist.
That's it.
That's enough boxing for today,
tough guys.
See you early tomorrow morning.
You heard him, guys. See you tomorrow.
If you don't get her out,
she'll be killed.
It seems you've forgotten
what she did to Lefty, right?
She didn't kill Lefty.
But she was responsible.
She suffered more.
Yes, but Lefty is now dead in a dark box
and she’s on TV, very happy.
Arantxa told him.
She did everything in her power,
but he wouldn't stop.
-It's not my responsibility, Gretchen.
-Besides, I'm not the only one
who can get people off this island.
I know,
but you're the only one I trust.
Please, Kid.
Lefty loved her.
He would have saved her.
My country is concerned
about the serious allegations
that you all, as well as
much of the free world,
have made about the government
of the Dominican Republic.
Canada is a nation that respects freedom,
which is why we didn't hesitate
to facilitate this meeting,
which I view as essential.
Well, we, first of all,
would like to thank you, Mr. Ambassador,
your country, you, gentlemen,
for having the courage to
steer clear of the agenda
that those defending other interests
wish to impose on us.
And to you, Monsignor,
for having restored our hope,
as we see your Church decide
to finally open its eyes
and, like Jesus, defend those
who suffer most.
Let it be clear that I'm not here
on behalf of the Holy Catholic Church.
I'm here of my own free will.
Well, we thank you for it.
All right. What's important now
are the political prisoners.
We were in La Victoria prison.
Trujillo took us there himself.
And?
No one there was locked up
for their politics.
What did you expect?
That they'd show you
all the prisoners?
That they'd show you the torture methods
they use to get information from them?
I told you what we saw.
That doesn't mean I
believe Trujillo, Ms. Mirabal.
But, as you well know,
other members of the commission
will base their report
solely and exclusively on what they saw.
Then let me tell you what you didn't see.
What they do to those prisoners
in La Cuarenta, in La Victoria,
and in countless other
torture centers in this country.
I've been inside and have been able
to see their methods.
They put them in the electric chair
and pull out their fingernails.
They apply electric shocks
to men's genitals
and are capable of gang raping women.
I'm sure my sisters are being
tortured this very moment
because they're in the hands
of those murderers.
Trujillo said your sisters
are in Cuba, training.
That's a lie.
We can't waste
any more time, gentlemen.
Each minute that passes,
the number of victims goes up.
Here are the names of each
and every person in jail right now.
This country, gentlemen, and its people
can't take any more.
If you truly, as you say,
defend human rights and democracy,
we believe the time has come for you
to pressure your countries
to intervene on behalf
of the Dominican people.
This past July 8,
the extreme left-wing group
- that calls itself June 14...
- Mm.
I don't need to tell you
that the name
is in homage to the communists
killed in the attempted invasion.
Listen to that.
As I was saying, on July 8
they announced their entrance
into public life,
and on July 30 organized
a constituent assembly.
Who are their leaders?
So,
Manuel Tavárez Justo.
His wife, Minerva Mirabal Reyes,
also a lawyer.
And Leandro Guzmán,
who's also the treasurer
and the husband of María Teresa,
Minerva Mirabal's sister.
And you're asking me to release them.
No. Let's see.
Why don't we just open the doors
and have them sit
in the presidential chair?
I said what I said because...
it seemed to me that having the OAS visit
while the Mirabal sisters
were in jail...
I don't know. Let's admit we were wrong.
Sometimes I feel so alone,
you know, Negro?
I feel like I'm surrounded
by incompetent fools
who can't solve problems
and who only ever fuck things up,
airing their opinions about what I decide.
Well, I think I have a solution
to this problem.
If I may.
Go ahead.
Generalissimo, if we free her,
the OAS will calm down.
It'll get rid of all the pressure
they've been putting on us.
But I've said a thousand times
that they weren't in jail.
I don't know what my excuse could be.
I'll come up with a solution.
But listen carefully.
All of us! All of us will
have to make sacrifices,
big ones…
to improve our country's image.
We'll give those fucking gringos a present
to see if they stop with
their accusations of nepotism.
So, Negro…
you'll have to resign from the presidency.
This moment is a moment for change.
- We're finished here.
- But…
Rafa… Rafael…
Rafael.
It's nice, isn't it?
Very nice.
Come on, let's have a drink.
Thank you.
Oh. Pilar.
It's so great to see you.
-You're here.
-Hi.
This is my friend Julio César.
Wow, Julio César.
-She told you about me?
-Yes.
Any chance I made it into the book?
What do you think?
I hope you made me look good.
Coming from Arantxa, of course.
But don't worry. I didn't put
your name in the book.
I look forward to reading it.
I'll get you a copy, but this one
is especially for you.
There's a dedication to you.
What an honor. Thank you, Pilar.
Well, today it's my turn to speak.
I'm a bit nervous.
-You'll do great.
-Look. There's Dedé.
Dedé, do you remember Arantxa?
How could I forget?
Well, you have a front row seat.
Oh, no. No, no.
-Let's find somewhere to sit together.
-Yes.
Yeah, better. Together.
-Wish me luck.
-Good luck.
I'm tired.
Very tired.
What do these people want? Huh?
They think power is something simple,
that it's only a matter of taking it.
They can't even imagine
all the nonstop, daily effort.
Power is determination,
it's strength.
But also never-ending negotiation.
But sometimes negotiation fails,
Generalissimo.
They turned down a very generous offer
and went ahead with their plans.
I've run out of diplomatic options.
Well, you're not a diplomat.
I have them breathing down my neck
despite the vice president's advice.
God will spit the lukewarm
out of his mouth.
Damn.
Now you're quoting the Bible to me?
What I'm trying to say
is that advice like that
can lead to inaction.
And as you know, inaction leads to defeat.
Okay.
Whatever you're trying to tell me,
just spit it out.
We free the Mirabal sisters.
What?
We free Minerva Mirabal and her sisters,
but we transfer their husbands
to Puerto Plata.
We all know that the road to Puerto Plata
is very long and bumpy.
And every time they want to go visit them,
they'll be taking a big risk.
In a vivid display
of peace and understanding
consistent with the democratic values
of this nation,
we announce the release of
the opposition activists, Minerva...
Ow.
It's okay, sweetie. It's okay.
This too shall pass, sweetie.
Know where I'm going?
I suppose to the studio, ma'am.
Nope.
I have orders to take you to the studio...
I thought I was the one giving orders.
Ma'am, with all due respect,
I might be your driver right now,
but I take orders from the Generalissimo.
I don't think the Generalissimo
would have a problem
if you took me to pray
on the way to the studio.
What church should I
take you to, ma'am?
To Saint Barbara's.
I didn't know if you were coming.
I'm afraid they're watching us.
They could be.
I had to see you, Dad.
Because this may be the last time.
What?
I'm leaving the country on Friday.
What do you mean?
How can you get out of the country?
Everyone knows who you are.
I know, but there are people
specialized in this.
I'm trusting it won't be too risky.
I'd like you and Dalmira to come with me.
No.
Yes, Dad. You can't stay in this hellhole.
I can. I can.
I have to, Arantxa.
I've spent half my life
on the run, sweetie. No more.
You know better than anyone
what the consequences are.
I no longer have a place to call home.
But here, at least, I've found a purpose.
Finally, something to fight for.
Don't you understand
they're going to kill you?
There is one thing you can do.
They freed Minerva,
but I don't trust them.
I'm sure the Goat is planning
something to hurt her.
So, please, look for her
and offer to take her
instead of me and Dalmira.
Just…
tell her it's from me, all right?
I promise.
Thanks.
Take care of yourself, Dad.
Your mom would be very proud of you.
And I am too.
Don't ever forget that.
Be strong.
And be careful. Please be careful.
THE ROAR OF THE BUTTERFLIES
For one of the bravest women
I've ever known.
With all my admiration, Pilar Macías
Thanks, all of you, for being here.
With your permission and in honor
of the Butterflies,
this presentation will be in Spanish.
First, a little background.
November 25, 1960,
three sisters,
three mothers of young children,
three young women,
Minerva, Patria, and María Teresa.
They are the true heroes of this book,
led by Minerva,
one of the first women in the country
to earn a law degree.
A leader, politician, activist,
and conceivably the first female president
of the Dominican Republic.
But first I'd like to thank
Bélgica Adela Mirabal Reyes,
better known as Dedé, for being here.
Thank you, Dedé.
BOOK LAUNCH
THE ROAR OF THE BUTTERFLIES
She's helped me a great deal
and I must say that, for me, it's been
an honor to write this book.
And some of you here know that very well.
Here are my keys.
Are you sure you can drive?
Yes.
Be careful.
- Don't let them follow you.
- Don't worry.
Thanks.
Hey! Stop it.
- Give it to me.
- No!
Stop it.
Thanks.
They arrested us along with
María Teresa and Leandro,
but they only... released me and her.
We just found out last night
that they transferred them
to the jail in Puerto Plata.
That's so far.
We're making plans to go see them.
Aren't you afraid?
Of course.
I'm afraid for him,
I'm afraid for them.
What about you, Minerva?
Aren't you afraid for yourself?
No.
Okay, yes.
I don't know how to explain it.
Camus says that to find
a reason to live...
is also to find a reason to die.
I thought the reason was your children.
So did I,
but I can't bear to leave them
such a dark future.
I don't want them to live amid
so much inequality and violence.
Then come with me.
We'll take a boat to Haiti
and then a small plane to Puerto Rico.
It's all arranged. We just have
to wait for the right moment, Minerva.
And leave Manolo and my sisters?
Trujillo isn't obsessed with them.
He's obsessed with you.
Arantxa, I can't give up the fight now.
I owe it to Manolo, to my country,
to my fellow citizens, to my comrades.
I owe it to my family.
To my dad.
Do you remember when we met?
Of course.
I wish I could turn back time
and freeze it there, right there.
Look,
I know things haven't been easy for you...
ever.
But I'm sure you'll rebuild your life
in the best way possible,
on your own terms.
And thank you for thinking
of me and my children.
And for taking the risk
to come all this way.
Thank you.
Promise me…
you'll take care of yourself…
always.
For them.
-Are you thirsty?
-No.
Arantxa. Arantxa!
-You were great, Pilar.
-Arantxa.
What Dedé did was unfair.
But if she knew everything
you've told me...
No, no. It's best not to.
Some things it's better that she not know.
You know, I have the feeling you're
not telling me something
and it's something essential.
Pilar.
We're friends.
The book is written.
I'm not going to rewrite it.
Tomorrow at five in the hotel bar.
It's clear that the
best thing for my country
is to step aside,
keeping any personal matters separate.
And for that reason,
I believe the best thing
for our nation
is to leave the presidency of the republic
in the hands of he who until now
has been our vice president,
who is, without any doubt,
an honorable man,
to carry out government actions.
Sending them so far
was meant as a provocation.
I know.
That's why I'm urging you not to go.
Mom, that's enough.
Minerva, whoever loves danger
will be destroyed by it.
The road from Salcedo to Puerto Plata
isn't safe.
No road is safe.
Besides,
they're expecting us.
It's crazy.
What do you want us to do?
You've never been in jail.
You can't imagine how it feels
when your loved ones don't come
on visitation days.
I've had a husband in jail.
And I've lost a loved one.
Mom, try to understand me.
The party is getting
stronger and stronger.
It's important to let them know
to give them strength.
I understand, sweetie,
but I just have a bad feeling in my gut.
You're my children. I don't want
anything bad to happen to you.
- We're not kids anymore.
- But you're all I have.
Mom, everything's going to be fine.
Trust your daughters.
Look at me.
Rufino offered to take us.
We'll leave early and go slowly.
Everything will be fine.
-Should the five of us have dinner?
-I can't.
Why not?
Jaime's tired from working
in the fields all day.
I haven't made dinner for him or the kids.
Oh, okay.
Where are you going?
I'm going to start
making dinner.
Minerva…
I already gave her
the fever medicine, Patria.
No, it's something else.
I want to go with you.
No, Patria. Don't take that risk.
You need to be at home
with your husband, your kids.
Pedrito said it was okay.
Mom's right.
Although I'll never admit it to her,
it's dangerous.
It's important that Manolo and Leandro
know that we're fighting together,
just like always,
for their freedom.
Our freedom.
I've been telling you.
That can't be.
Gentlemen, I apologize for the delay.
I was two blocks from here, shocked
while watching TV at a bar.
Did you see that Negro resigned?
-Yeah, we saw it.
-Swapping out one puppet for another.
We're here to kill the puppet master.
So, now that Salvador's here,
we can get started.
Do you know everyone?
I know the general, I know Álvaro.
And the Basque? Of course I know him.
Okay. This is Luis.
He's a former activist, so we
can speak in complete confidence.
Are we all aware of the objective
we've set for ourselves?
To achieve a goal like this one,
you need a plan, a concrete plan.
And, well, I can't take credit for this
because it was conceived
by a comrade, a militant,
a brother-in-arms who's made
many sacrifices, Álvaro.
But, gentlemen, I want you
to know something.
I took part in a failed attack years ago.
An attack that claimed many lives,
many families, much blood.
But this time is different.
I'm absolutely certain
we won't fail this time.
Agreed. Let's discuss logistics.
There's not much to discuss.
We just have to choose a date.
Perhaps Balaguer's inauguration
could be a good time.
That's very soon.
You seem impatient, Basque.
I might be.
We should avoid doing it when
there are people from other countries.
Well, I don't think too many will come.
There aren't many presidents who want
a picture next to the Goat.
The few who do will leave
as soon as it's over.
That's right.
We can't put the cart before the horse.
To set a date,
we need a clear and well-oiled
plan of execution.
What do you have in mind, comrade?
PUERTO PLATA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
NOVEMBER 25, 1960
PENITENTIARY
Give them both a hug for me.
Of course.
How are the kids?
They miss you, but they're doing well.
Listen to me. We can't let this
weaken the party, Minerva.
No, just the opposite.
These injustices unite us even more.
In a few days, we're going
to have a meeting
to determine our next move.
I wish I could be there, fighting.
They can't keep you here much longer.
What you have to do now is stand firm
and not show any weakness.
We should do something big.
Take advantage of the fact
that all eyes are on us.
Don't worry, Manolo.
We're working on it. There are
more and more of us each day.
Look at me.
I don't regret one second
of the path we chose.
You chose me, my love.
We're one, Minerva.
He seemed really discouraged.
Manolo's strong, but Leandro
isn't used to this.
I'm afraid he won't make it.
Don't worry.
They're strong men.
And you two are strong women.
Everything will be okay.
They won't keep them
locked up much longer.
They'll have to let them go.
A lot of people are rising up.
They can't take more of these atrocities.
- Something's happening.
- Good day.
Soldiers, I need to pass, please.
- What's going on?
- How can I help you?
Yes, I need to pass.
I'm running late.
Oh!
Run!
Grab them! Don't let them escape!
Get her!
- There they are!
- Patria!
- No, no!
- Stop, stop.
- Let go of me!
- I got one.
Minerva!
Help! Let go of me!
Help! They're going to kill us!
- Stop!
- Get her.
Stop!
Didn't want to stop?
No!
- Let's go!
- No, please.
Patria.
Patria.
Minerva!
No, no!
Leave her alone!
Please, stop.
Oh.
Oh! No! No, Patria.
No!
No, Patria.
There are four fatalities.
A man identified as Rufino de la Cruz
and the sisters Patria,
María Teresa, and Minerva Mirabal.
The accident occurred…
when the Jeep in which they
were traveling fell into a ravine…
The only thing we can do is
keep him from suffering.
Many have died.
Many are our fellow citizens.
Mate, Mate.
He wants to offer you
a safe conduct pass to leave the country.
We’re winning the war against communism.
Didn't you hear the news?
I can't dance on anyone's grave.
Whore!
You’re asking me to release communists.
To friends who don't forget.
We can't continue
to live in fear.
Starting today,
we will start organizing
as a political party.
This story is inspired by real events.
All characters and events depicted
have been created for dramatic purposes.
Any similarity with reality
is purely coincidental.
Thousands of people
have registered with the party.
And there’ll be
many more to come.
People need a voice that represents them.
Patria said the response
in the South has been impressive.
So much support could help
get us a meeting with the OAS mission.
We have to speak up for
our comrades in prison.
We’re trying, but we haven’t
gotten a response from them yet.
I don't even know if they’ve
received our petition.
Look, they have to answer us.
We're not crazy people
just speaking for ourselves.
We're a political party.
The first minority opposition party.
They won't refuse us.
MILITARY INTELLIGENCE SERVICE
- It's them.
- It's them, right?
Fire! Fire!
Outside, go outside.
Hands up!
Hands up!
- Let go of me!
- Mate!
Walk. Keep walking.
Let go of me!
Get in!
Caribe Night Club
the ROAR of the BUTTERFLIES
We live in a dictatorship!
Assholes! Let her go!
Release her!
Sorry.
It hurts a lot.
Let us out of here.
Don't waste your energy.
They're not going to release us.
Why did they bring us here?
I have no idea.
Manolo and Leandro
are going to be tortured to death.
Like they did to Dad.
Don't talk like that.
It doesn't... doesn't help anything.
They brought everyone from the movement
here and they're not here now.
I want out of here, please.
We can't take it anymore!
I can't breathe.
Does it count or not?
You're the prisoner. Get in there.
Shut up.
Animals.
What did you say?
Look, look.
Stop making all that noise.
No more whining.
Gentlemen,
you'll be hard pressed to find prisons
like this one in other countries,
ones where inmates' human rights
are respected.
Here, they work, are paid,
study, and are reformed.
A prison where there
are political prisoners
can never be considered a model prison.
What are you saying? Political prisoners?
There are none of those here.
General Trujillo, let's talk seriously.
Sir, I always speak seriously.
I'll show you.
Hey, you! You, come here.
Tell these gentlemen why you're in prison.
I was convicted of armed robbery,
Generalissimo.
You see?
That's the kind of prisoner
you'll find here.
Thieves, murderers, rapists,
but not political prisoners.
Here in the Dominican Republic, we don't
know what political prisoners are.
-Isn't that right, Joaquín?
-That's how it's always been, General.
What about the Mirabal sisters?
Aren't they in jail?
Well, the Mirabal sisters...
Let me explain.
The Mirabal sisters are
dangerous communists
who ought to be locked up
and have the key thrown away.
But no, they're not.
Yes, sir, but I remind you that
the winds are changing
and that both the Church
and the international press
are applying pressure.
Look,
if you mention the Mirabal sisters
to me again,
I'll have to tell you again that
they're not in custody.
Don't forget that with this visit
the Dominican Republic's support from
the Organization of American States
member countries is at stake.
Senator Butler, I haven't forgotten.
That's one of my defining traits.
Not forgetting.
Remember the song I sang
to you when you were little?
Mm?
♪ The little mouse Miguel ♪
♪ The little mouse Miguel ♪
♪ He's come here ♪
♪ So happy to dance ♪
♪ Because the cat Misifú ♪
♪ Asleep in the house ♪
♪ Doesn't know about ♪
♪ The party today ♪
♪ Shh, there's no need to yell ♪
♪ We don't want to wake him up ♪
♪ Let's dance without making noise ♪
♪ Because even a mouse ♪
♪ Usually has a heart ♪
♪ For singing, for laughing, for dancing ♪
♪ The situation is ♪
- Shut up!
- ♪ Terrifying and very scary ♪
Quiet, dammit!
♪ And you will see ♪
Shut the fuck up!
♪ How a hungry
Mouse will die ♪
♪ There's no cheese anymore ♪
Silence!
♪ And much less a slice of ham ♪
♪ We'll see ♪
Shut the fuck up!
♪ Who will rip out
Misifú's heart ♪
Come on. Hard.
KID ROMERO GYM
Shit! I wasn't expecting to see you here.
What are you doing here, girl?
Someone needs your services.
Who?
Arantxa.
No, no.
No, no. I want nothing to do with her.
She needs to leave the country urgently.
Land with your right fist.
That's it.
That's enough boxing for today,
tough guys.
See you early tomorrow morning.
You heard him, guys. See you tomorrow.
If you don't get her out,
she'll be killed.
It seems you've forgotten
what she did to Lefty, right?
She didn't kill Lefty.
But she was responsible.
She suffered more.
Yes, but Lefty is now dead in a dark box
and she’s on TV, very happy.
Arantxa told him.
She did everything in her power,
but he wouldn't stop.
-It's not my responsibility, Gretchen.
-Besides, I'm not the only one
who can get people off this island.
I know,
but you're the only one I trust.
Please, Kid.
Lefty loved her.
He would have saved her.
My country is concerned
about the serious allegations
that you all, as well as
much of the free world,
have made about the government
of the Dominican Republic.
Canada is a nation that respects freedom,
which is why we didn't hesitate
to facilitate this meeting,
which I view as essential.
Well, we, first of all,
would like to thank you, Mr. Ambassador,
your country, you, gentlemen,
for having the courage to
steer clear of the agenda
that those defending other interests
wish to impose on us.
And to you, Monsignor,
for having restored our hope,
as we see your Church decide
to finally open its eyes
and, like Jesus, defend those
who suffer most.
Let it be clear that I'm not here
on behalf of the Holy Catholic Church.
I'm here of my own free will.
Well, we thank you for it.
All right. What's important now
are the political prisoners.
We were in La Victoria prison.
Trujillo took us there himself.
And?
No one there was locked up
for their politics.
What did you expect?
That they'd show you
all the prisoners?
That they'd show you the torture methods
they use to get information from them?
I told you what we saw.
That doesn't mean I
believe Trujillo, Ms. Mirabal.
But, as you well know,
other members of the commission
will base their report
solely and exclusively on what they saw.
Then let me tell you what you didn't see.
What they do to those prisoners
in La Cuarenta, in La Victoria,
and in countless other
torture centers in this country.
I've been inside and have been able
to see their methods.
They put them in the electric chair
and pull out their fingernails.
They apply electric shocks
to men's genitals
and are capable of gang raping women.
I'm sure my sisters are being
tortured this very moment
because they're in the hands
of those murderers.
Trujillo said your sisters
are in Cuba, training.
That's a lie.
We can't waste
any more time, gentlemen.
Each minute that passes,
the number of victims goes up.
Here are the names of each
and every person in jail right now.
This country, gentlemen, and its people
can't take any more.
If you truly, as you say,
defend human rights and democracy,
we believe the time has come for you
to pressure your countries
to intervene on behalf
of the Dominican people.
This past July 8,
the extreme left-wing group
- that calls itself June 14...
- Mm.
I don't need to tell you
that the name
is in homage to the communists
killed in the attempted invasion.
Listen to that.
As I was saying, on July 8
they announced their entrance
into public life,
and on July 30 organized
a constituent assembly.
Who are their leaders?
So,
Manuel Tavárez Justo.
His wife, Minerva Mirabal Reyes,
also a lawyer.
And Leandro Guzmán,
who's also the treasurer
and the husband of María Teresa,
Minerva Mirabal's sister.
And you're asking me to release them.
No. Let's see.
Why don't we just open the doors
and have them sit
in the presidential chair?
I said what I said because...
it seemed to me that having the OAS visit
while the Mirabal sisters
were in jail...
I don't know. Let's admit we were wrong.
Sometimes I feel so alone,
you know, Negro?
I feel like I'm surrounded
by incompetent fools
who can't solve problems
and who only ever fuck things up,
airing their opinions about what I decide.
Well, I think I have a solution
to this problem.
If I may.
Go ahead.
Generalissimo, if we free her,
the OAS will calm down.
It'll get rid of all the pressure
they've been putting on us.
But I've said a thousand times
that they weren't in jail.
I don't know what my excuse could be.
I'll come up with a solution.
But listen carefully.
All of us! All of us will
have to make sacrifices,
big ones…
to improve our country's image.
We'll give those fucking gringos a present
to see if they stop with
their accusations of nepotism.
So, Negro…
you'll have to resign from the presidency.
This moment is a moment for change.
- We're finished here.
- But…
Rafa… Rafael…
Rafael.
It's nice, isn't it?
Very nice.
Come on, let's have a drink.
Thank you.
Oh. Pilar.
It's so great to see you.
-You're here.
-Hi.
This is my friend Julio César.
Wow, Julio César.
-She told you about me?
-Yes.
Any chance I made it into the book?
What do you think?
I hope you made me look good.
Coming from Arantxa, of course.
But don't worry. I didn't put
your name in the book.
I look forward to reading it.
I'll get you a copy, but this one
is especially for you.
There's a dedication to you.
What an honor. Thank you, Pilar.
Well, today it's my turn to speak.
I'm a bit nervous.
-You'll do great.
-Look. There's Dedé.
Dedé, do you remember Arantxa?
How could I forget?
Well, you have a front row seat.
Oh, no. No, no.
-Let's find somewhere to sit together.
-Yes.
Yeah, better. Together.
-Wish me luck.
-Good luck.
I'm tired.
Very tired.
What do these people want? Huh?
They think power is something simple,
that it's only a matter of taking it.
They can't even imagine
all the nonstop, daily effort.
Power is determination,
it's strength.
But also never-ending negotiation.
But sometimes negotiation fails,
Generalissimo.
They turned down a very generous offer
and went ahead with their plans.
I've run out of diplomatic options.
Well, you're not a diplomat.
I have them breathing down my neck
despite the vice president's advice.
God will spit the lukewarm
out of his mouth.
Damn.
Now you're quoting the Bible to me?
What I'm trying to say
is that advice like that
can lead to inaction.
And as you know, inaction leads to defeat.
Okay.
Whatever you're trying to tell me,
just spit it out.
We free the Mirabal sisters.
What?
We free Minerva Mirabal and her sisters,
but we transfer their husbands
to Puerto Plata.
We all know that the road to Puerto Plata
is very long and bumpy.
And every time they want to go visit them,
they'll be taking a big risk.
In a vivid display
of peace and understanding
consistent with the democratic values
of this nation,
we announce the release of
the opposition activists, Minerva...
Ow.
It's okay, sweetie. It's okay.
This too shall pass, sweetie.
Know where I'm going?
I suppose to the studio, ma'am.
Nope.
I have orders to take you to the studio...
I thought I was the one giving orders.
Ma'am, with all due respect,
I might be your driver right now,
but I take orders from the Generalissimo.
I don't think the Generalissimo
would have a problem
if you took me to pray
on the way to the studio.
What church should I
take you to, ma'am?
To Saint Barbara's.
I didn't know if you were coming.
I'm afraid they're watching us.
They could be.
I had to see you, Dad.
Because this may be the last time.
What?
I'm leaving the country on Friday.
What do you mean?
How can you get out of the country?
Everyone knows who you are.
I know, but there are people
specialized in this.
I'm trusting it won't be too risky.
I'd like you and Dalmira to come with me.
No.
Yes, Dad. You can't stay in this hellhole.
I can. I can.
I have to, Arantxa.
I've spent half my life
on the run, sweetie. No more.
You know better than anyone
what the consequences are.
I no longer have a place to call home.
But here, at least, I've found a purpose.
Finally, something to fight for.
Don't you understand
they're going to kill you?
There is one thing you can do.
They freed Minerva,
but I don't trust them.
I'm sure the Goat is planning
something to hurt her.
So, please, look for her
and offer to take her
instead of me and Dalmira.
Just…
tell her it's from me, all right?
I promise.
Thanks.
Take care of yourself, Dad.
Your mom would be very proud of you.
And I am too.
Don't ever forget that.
Be strong.
And be careful. Please be careful.
THE ROAR OF THE BUTTERFLIES
For one of the bravest women
I've ever known.
With all my admiration, Pilar Macías
Thanks, all of you, for being here.
With your permission and in honor
of the Butterflies,
this presentation will be in Spanish.
First, a little background.
November 25, 1960,
three sisters,
three mothers of young children,
three young women,
Minerva, Patria, and María Teresa.
They are the true heroes of this book,
led by Minerva,
one of the first women in the country
to earn a law degree.
A leader, politician, activist,
and conceivably the first female president
of the Dominican Republic.
But first I'd like to thank
Bélgica Adela Mirabal Reyes,
better known as Dedé, for being here.
Thank you, Dedé.
BOOK LAUNCH
THE ROAR OF THE BUTTERFLIES
She's helped me a great deal
and I must say that, for me, it's been
an honor to write this book.
And some of you here know that very well.
Here are my keys.
Are you sure you can drive?
Yes.
Be careful.
- Don't let them follow you.
- Don't worry.
Thanks.
Hey! Stop it.
- Give it to me.
- No!
Stop it.
Thanks.
They arrested us along with
María Teresa and Leandro,
but they only... released me and her.
We just found out last night
that they transferred them
to the jail in Puerto Plata.
That's so far.
We're making plans to go see them.
Aren't you afraid?
Of course.
I'm afraid for him,
I'm afraid for them.
What about you, Minerva?
Aren't you afraid for yourself?
No.
Okay, yes.
I don't know how to explain it.
Camus says that to find
a reason to live...
is also to find a reason to die.
I thought the reason was your children.
So did I,
but I can't bear to leave them
such a dark future.
I don't want them to live amid
so much inequality and violence.
Then come with me.
We'll take a boat to Haiti
and then a small plane to Puerto Rico.
It's all arranged. We just have
to wait for the right moment, Minerva.
And leave Manolo and my sisters?
Trujillo isn't obsessed with them.
He's obsessed with you.
Arantxa, I can't give up the fight now.
I owe it to Manolo, to my country,
to my fellow citizens, to my comrades.
I owe it to my family.
To my dad.
Do you remember when we met?
Of course.
I wish I could turn back time
and freeze it there, right there.
Look,
I know things haven't been easy for you...
ever.
But I'm sure you'll rebuild your life
in the best way possible,
on your own terms.
And thank you for thinking
of me and my children.
And for taking the risk
to come all this way.
Thank you.
Promise me…
you'll take care of yourself…
always.
For them.
-Are you thirsty?
-No.
Arantxa. Arantxa!
-You were great, Pilar.
-Arantxa.
What Dedé did was unfair.
But if she knew everything
you've told me...
No, no. It's best not to.
Some things it's better that she not know.
You know, I have the feeling you're
not telling me something
and it's something essential.
Pilar.
We're friends.
The book is written.
I'm not going to rewrite it.
Tomorrow at five in the hotel bar.
It's clear that the
best thing for my country
is to step aside,
keeping any personal matters separate.
And for that reason,
I believe the best thing
for our nation
is to leave the presidency of the republic
in the hands of he who until now
has been our vice president,
who is, without any doubt,
an honorable man,
to carry out government actions.
Sending them so far
was meant as a provocation.
I know.
That's why I'm urging you not to go.
Mom, that's enough.
Minerva, whoever loves danger
will be destroyed by it.
The road from Salcedo to Puerto Plata
isn't safe.
No road is safe.
Besides,
they're expecting us.
It's crazy.
What do you want us to do?
You've never been in jail.
You can't imagine how it feels
when your loved ones don't come
on visitation days.
I've had a husband in jail.
And I've lost a loved one.
Mom, try to understand me.
The party is getting
stronger and stronger.
It's important to let them know
to give them strength.
I understand, sweetie,
but I just have a bad feeling in my gut.
You're my children. I don't want
anything bad to happen to you.
- We're not kids anymore.
- But you're all I have.
Mom, everything's going to be fine.
Trust your daughters.
Look at me.
Rufino offered to take us.
We'll leave early and go slowly.
Everything will be fine.
-Should the five of us have dinner?
-I can't.
Why not?
Jaime's tired from working
in the fields all day.
I haven't made dinner for him or the kids.
Oh, okay.
Where are you going?
I'm going to start
making dinner.
Minerva…
I already gave her
the fever medicine, Patria.
No, it's something else.
I want to go with you.
No, Patria. Don't take that risk.
You need to be at home
with your husband, your kids.
Pedrito said it was okay.
Mom's right.
Although I'll never admit it to her,
it's dangerous.
It's important that Manolo and Leandro
know that we're fighting together,
just like always,
for their freedom.
Our freedom.
I've been telling you.
That can't be.
Gentlemen, I apologize for the delay.
I was two blocks from here, shocked
while watching TV at a bar.
Did you see that Negro resigned?
-Yeah, we saw it.
-Swapping out one puppet for another.
We're here to kill the puppet master.
So, now that Salvador's here,
we can get started.
Do you know everyone?
I know the general, I know Álvaro.
And the Basque? Of course I know him.
Okay. This is Luis.
He's a former activist, so we
can speak in complete confidence.
Are we all aware of the objective
we've set for ourselves?
To achieve a goal like this one,
you need a plan, a concrete plan.
And, well, I can't take credit for this
because it was conceived
by a comrade, a militant,
a brother-in-arms who's made
many sacrifices, Álvaro.
But, gentlemen, I want you
to know something.
I took part in a failed attack years ago.
An attack that claimed many lives,
many families, much blood.
But this time is different.
I'm absolutely certain
we won't fail this time.
Agreed. Let's discuss logistics.
There's not much to discuss.
We just have to choose a date.
Perhaps Balaguer's inauguration
could be a good time.
That's very soon.
You seem impatient, Basque.
I might be.
We should avoid doing it when
there are people from other countries.
Well, I don't think too many will come.
There aren't many presidents who want
a picture next to the Goat.
The few who do will leave
as soon as it's over.
That's right.
We can't put the cart before the horse.
To set a date,
we need a clear and well-oiled
plan of execution.
What do you have in mind, comrade?
PUERTO PLATA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
NOVEMBER 25, 1960
PENITENTIARY
Give them both a hug for me.
Of course.
How are the kids?
They miss you, but they're doing well.
Listen to me. We can't let this
weaken the party, Minerva.
No, just the opposite.
These injustices unite us even more.
In a few days, we're going
to have a meeting
to determine our next move.
I wish I could be there, fighting.
They can't keep you here much longer.
What you have to do now is stand firm
and not show any weakness.
We should do something big.
Take advantage of the fact
that all eyes are on us.
Don't worry, Manolo.
We're working on it. There are
more and more of us each day.
Look at me.
I don't regret one second
of the path we chose.
You chose me, my love.
We're one, Minerva.
He seemed really discouraged.
Manolo's strong, but Leandro
isn't used to this.
I'm afraid he won't make it.
Don't worry.
They're strong men.
And you two are strong women.
Everything will be okay.
They won't keep them
locked up much longer.
They'll have to let them go.
A lot of people are rising up.
They can't take more of these atrocities.
- Something's happening.
- Good day.
Soldiers, I need to pass, please.
- What's going on?
- How can I help you?
Yes, I need to pass.
I'm running late.
Oh!
Run!
Grab them! Don't let them escape!
Get her!
- There they are!
- Patria!
- No, no!
- Stop, stop.
- Let go of me!
- I got one.
Minerva!
Help! Let go of me!
Help! They're going to kill us!
- Stop!
- Get her.
Stop!
Didn't want to stop?
No!
- Let's go!
- No, please.
Patria.
Patria.
Minerva!
No, no!
Leave her alone!
Please, stop.
Oh.
Oh! No! No, Patria.
No!
No, Patria.
There are four fatalities.
A man identified as Rufino de la Cruz
and the sisters Patria,
María Teresa, and Minerva Mirabal.
The accident occurred…
when the Jeep in which they
were traveling fell into a ravine…