Research[Cre]Action

In January 2011, the southern region of Magallanes, Chile, experienced a significant socio-political upheaval in response to a 16.8% hike in natural gas prices. The Magallanes region, known for its harsh climate and heavy reliance on natural gas for heating, saw widespread protests as citizens blocked roads, occupied public spaces, and organized demonstrations to express their opposition to the government's decision. The crisis reached a peak when two protestors tragically died during a confrontation between the police and demonstrators.

My work as an independent researcher during this period involved actively participating in the protests while documenting the movement through interviews, photographs, and audiovisual recordings. I focused on capturing the voices of activists, leaders, and everyday citizens, creating an archive of personal stories and political perspectives that reflected the broader struggles of the region. This research laid the groundwork for a future documentary project aimed at preserving the memory of this crisis and its impact on the community.

In addition to interviewing local leaders, activists, and political figures, I documented the everyday experiences of protestors, their methods of resistance, and the emotional intensity of their demands for equitable treatment. My role oscillated between that of a participant and an observer, enabling me to gain an intimate understanding of the movement’s internal dynamics. This dual role provided a unique vantage point from which I could analyze the relationship between collective action and regional identity.

This project holds personal significance as it represents my commitment to using ethnographic research to document social movements and resistance in marginalized regions. As part of my future work, I aim to compile these interviews, photographs, and videos into a cohesive documentary that explores not only the specifics of the 2011 gas crisis but also the broader implications of how marginalized communities in remote areas assert their agency and resist neoliberal policies. The materials collected during this time remain an integral part of my research archive, and I plan to make portions of this work accessible through platforms such as the Rio Junto youtube channel.