A Twelve-Year Night is a 2018 Uruguayan film directed by Álvaro Brechner and is based on the true story of three Tupamaro guerilla members, namely, José “Pepe” Mujica, Eleuterio Fernández Huidobro, and Mauricio Rosencof. It is set during the Uruguayan military dictatorship that began in 1973 and lasted for 12 years.
The film follows the story of these three men who are captured by the military and are imprisoned in solitary confinement in a secret underground prison. They are subjected to various forms of torture and isolation, and are constantly monitored by the guards.
Despite the harsh conditions, the three men manage to keep their spirits up by communicating with each other through walls and underground pipes. They share stories, poems, and songs, and find ways to keep their minds active and occupied.
As the years pass, the dictatorship gradually weakens and an amnesty law is passed, allowing the prisoners to walk free. The three men emerge from the underground prison, almost blinded by the sunlight, and are welcomed by their families and supporters as heroes.
The film is a powerful portrayal of the resilience, courage, and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a tribute to the Tupamaros and their struggle for freedom, and to the enduring legacy of those who fought against dictatorship and repression.