Welcome to another episode of THIS IS REVOLUTION>podcast, where we go beyond the typical election season chatter to explore the deeper political landscapes shaping our world. As we approach the U.S. presidential election, much of the media will focus on poll numbers, political ads, and electoral horse races. In 2024, politics has become more akin to team sports, where tribal loyalties and spectacle often replace substantive policy debates. But instead of playing the same game, today we’re turning our attention to Latin America, where political struggles reveal more about the urgent global fight for justice and democracy.

Our guest today is Nando Villa, the producer of the documentary The Ecuadorian Candidate, which follows the candidacy of young left-wing economist Andrés Arauz as he runs for the presidency of Ecuador. Arauz faced a formidable opponent in Guillermo Lasso, a wealthy conservative banker. The documentary captures Arauz’s efforts to unite fractured left movements and appeal to the Ecuadorian electorate in the hope of building a progressive future. 

This film goes beyond just one election—it highlights the broader struggles of the Latin American left in the face of neoliberal hegemony and the complex political terrain of the region. We’ll dive deep into these themes and ask what lessons can be learned from Arauz’s campaign for those fighting for progressive change around the world.