In Central America they are referred to as the Maras. Modelling themselves on Los Angeles youth gangs, these groups are now spreading terror in El Salvador and further afield. A childhood at once terrifying and hateful but strangely captivating typifies the disintegration of family life within Salvadorian society and the despair in which they have grown up. La Vida Loca is what life is really about over there: youth who suffer, who defy us, who look down on us, who resent and dislike us. This vision of evil stirs up our fears and provokes nightmares. I also hope it will evoke compassion and cause us to question our notions of the world. And so, like cornered dogs, this lost generation responds with pessimism, revolt and death. La Vida Loca is a documentary about absolute human isolation.

En América Central se refieren a ellos como las maras, imitando a los gangs de jóvenes en Los Ángeles. Estos grupos ahora están impartiendo el terror en El Salvador y mas lejos. De la infancia terrible y con odio, pero que extrañamente capta la desintegración de la vida familiar dentro de la sociedad salvadoreña y el huir de donde han crecido. La Vida Loca es sobre lo que realmente la vida es allá: jóvenes que sufren; que nos desafían; que nos miran con odio; que nos resienten. Aunque esta visión de odio revuelve nuestros miedos y provoca pesadillas, también hay una esperanza que puede invocar compasión y causarnos que nos cuestionemos la noción del mundo. También, como perros esquinados, esta generación responde con pesimismo, revueltas y muerte. La Vida Loca es un documental sobre la absoluta soledad humana.

Christian Poveda was a photographer and documentary filmmaker. His political involvement during the Vietnam War in the 1970s allowed him to experience the power of images, and the influence they can have over certain events. This inspired him to work in photojournalism and documentary filmmaking. His entire filmography is dedicated to extraordinary political and social situations and includes over 15 documentaries that have been presented at some of the most prestigious festivals and TV markets worldwide. He was murdered in El Salvador on September 2, 2009.

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