My name is Pablo and I come from Latin America. I explore the threshold between visual media and storytelling. Currently, I'm based in Berlin. Feel free to contact me for collaborations, assignments, or hanging out.
12.01.23. It's my grandpa's (Carlos) 91st birthday. That day, he wanted to visit Villa Baviera, a German settler community in central Chile where past and future collides. Formerly known as Colonia Dignidad, Villa Baviera was an isolated settlement of germans that arrived in 1961 under the strict control of the religious leader Paul Schäfer. Until 1996, settlers and dissidents (especially during Pinochet's era) were victims of human rights violations, while to the outside world, the propaganda portrayed the settlement as an example of German efficiency.
For Carlos, this place represents part of the German culture he loves. After decades, the settlement is one of the few places where a majority of the community speaks German as a first language. Besides the infamous past of Colonia Dignidad, the new generations of settlers are working to rebrand the settlement's identity by enforcing new economic activities such as tourism. As of today, the main house is a three stories hotel placed next to a new restaurant filled with the settlement's agricultural products. Next to their most traditional economy (whose quality is associated with the so-called German efficiency), tourism is a way to rebrand and advertise the new face of this community.
For this one-day project, I wanted to play with creating a piece of propaganda from Villa Baviera through my grandfather's enthusiasm for German culture. The nostalgia for the "pure German" culture collides with its present, the Dantesque effort to rewrite their history, and the future of the new generations to come. Today, around ten percent of the original migrants still live in the settlement after more than a decade of reorganization. Only teenagers, the newest generation, speak Spanish as a first language.
Carlos blowing a candle for his 91st birthday. The cake was a traditional...READ ON
Carlos blowing a candle for his 91st birthday. The cake was a traditional "Marzipan Schnitten".
A Swedish journalist assigned to Chile, talks with Carlos. The infamous story...READ ON
A Swedish journalist assigned to Chile, talks with Carlos. The infamous story of Colonia Dignidad attracts people who can freely access Villa Baviera.
Hotel Baviera’s Breakfast Salon.
"Happy Birthday"
Hotel room.
German old fashion deco.
An artificial lake with pedal boats for visitors.
When Colonia Dignidad was created in 1961, for decades the settlement was the...READ ON
When Colonia Dignidad was created in 1961, for decades the settlement was the upfront of technology and services in the region. Despite being close to the border from Argentina, this "State within the State" was completely autonomous and provided all the services and products they needed. Electricity allowed them to run facilities like their own hospital or an airfield.
View of the Hotel Baviera.
Hotel Baviera entrance.
Most of what Colonia Dignidad couldn't produce was imported, mainly from...READ ON
Most of what Colonia Dignidad couldn't produce was imported, mainly from Germany. Today, the Hotel Baviera offers free old bicycles to move around Villa Baviera.
Around ten percent of the original Settlers live in today's Villa...READ ON
Around ten percent of the original Settlers live in today's Villa Baviera. That same day, there was the birthday of another "Colono" and part of the community gathered to greet and sing German Popular Songs. The Colonia Dignidad's Choir was part of Schäfer propaganda to depict an ideal German community in the Southern Hemisphere.
Carlos on an old German Bike.
Today, the Hospital takes care of the community in general. During the...READ ON
Today, the Hospital takes care of the community in general. During the Colonia Dignidad era, the facility was available for local Chileans, especially pregnant women. Many children born in the hospital were kidnapped from here. Furthermore, human rights associations denounce that the building was used for torture during the military regime.
Carlos next to the Hotel Baviera's Restaurant.
Since its beginning, agriculture has been the main source of income for the community.
The powerplant was built shortly after 1961. The original machinery to...READ ON
The powerplant was built shortly after 1961. The original machinery to produce electricity is operative.
After Schäfer's downfall in 1996, many settlers moved back to...READ ON
After Schäfer's downfall in 1996, many settlers moved back to Germany. After more than a decade some of them have returned and today work on their small businesses. The Garden offers a variety of plans and flower balms to sell.
Carlos wondering in the garden.
Between the hotel and the restaurant, there is a kiosk where the settlers...READ ON
Between the hotel and the restaurant, there is a kiosk where the settlers offer agricultural products, like milk, butter, cheese, meat, and bakery.
Hotel Baviera's restaurant.
Chilean and German flags behind the desk in the Hotel's lobby.
Hotel's meeting room.
Sunset from the Hotel's Balcony.
The brief glimpse of a settler's dream.
12.01.23. It's my grandpa's (Carlos) 91st birthday. That day, he wanted to visit Villa Baviera, a German settler community in central Chile where past and future collides. Formerly known as Colonia Dignidad, Villa Baviera was an isolated settlement of germans that arrived in 1961 under the strict control of the religious leader Paul Schäfer. Until 1996, settlers and dissidents (especially during Pinochet's era) were victims of human rights violations, while to the outside world, the propaganda portrayed the settlement as an example of German efficiency.
For Carlos, this place represents part of the German culture he loves. After decades, the settlement is one of the few places where a majority of the community speaks German as a first language. Besides the infamous past of Colonia Dignidad, the new generations of settlers are working to rebrand the settlement's identity by enforcing new economic activities such as tourism. As of today, the main house is a three stories hotel placed next to a new restaurant filled with the settlement's agricultural products. Next to their most traditional economy (whose quality is associated with the so-called German efficiency), tourism is a way to rebrand and advertise the new face of this community.
For this one-day project, I wanted to play with creating a piece of propaganda from Villa Baviera through my grandfather's enthusiasm for German culture. The nostalgia for the "pure German" culture collides with its present, the Dantesque effort to rewrite their history, and the future of the new generations to come. Today, around ten percent of the original migrants still live in the settlement after more than a decade of reorganization. Only teenagers, the newest generation, speak Spanish as a first language.
Pablo Hassmann
Visual Storyteller from Latin America focused on Migrations, Arts, & Cultures. Currently available for commissions, collaborations, & cultural projects.