Pam Yates

Pam Yates is an American documentary filmmaker known for her work focusing on human rights and social justice issues, particularly in Latin America. She is recognized for her long-term commitment to documenting conflicts and political transitions, often collaborating with Peter Kinoy, her late husband.

Yates's filmmaking career began in the late 1970s, and she has since directed and produced numerous award-winning documentaries. A central theme in her work is the exploration of accountability for past human rights abuses and the pursuit of justice. Her films frequently delve into the complexities of political violence, impunity, and the experiences of victims and survivors.

Some of her most notable films include When the Mountains Tremble (1983), which documented the struggle of the indigenous people of Guatemala; The Tribunal (2003), a film about the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda; State of Fear: The Truth About Terrorism (2005), an examination of Peru's struggle with terrorism and political violence under Alberto Fujimori; and Granito: How to Nail a Dictator (2011), a film which follows individuals involved in bringing Guatemalan dictator Efraín Ríos Montt to justice.

Yates's work has received numerous accolades, including awards from the Sundance Film Festival, the Human Rights Watch Film Festival, and the International Documentary Association. She is widely considered a leading voice in documentary filmmaking focused on human rights issues and transitional justice.