Operation Just Cause (film)

Operation Just Cause is a 2019 documentary film directed by Mariusz Pilis and Dariusz Walusiak. The film examines the 1989 United States invasion of Panama, codenamed Operation Just Cause, focusing on the perspectives of Panamanian civilians who experienced the event.

The documentary aims to provide a Panamanian perspective on the invasion, often contrasting it with the narratives presented by the U.S. government and media. It features interviews with Panamanians who lost loved ones, were displaced by the fighting, or otherwise suffered during the military action. It also explores the historical context leading up to the invasion, including the Noriega regime and its relationship with the United States.

Key themes explored in the film include the justification for the invasion, the scale of civilian casualties, the long-term impact on Panama, and the legacy of U.S. intervention in the region. The film is critical of the U.S. military operation, arguing that it resulted in excessive force and a disregard for Panamanian lives. It also questions the official narratives surrounding the invasion and its motivations.

The film received limited theatrical release and has been screened at various film festivals. It has generated discussion regarding the historical accuracy of accounts surrounding Operation Just Cause and the ethics of military intervention.