Renowned filmmaker Jorge Dalton has spoken out in support of President Nayib Bukele's leadership in El Salvador, asserting that the president effectively "ended the war among Salvadorans." In a recent interview with CiberCuba, Dalton also reflected on his childhood in Cuba and Czechoslovakia, discussed his documentary "En un rincón del alma," and emphasized the urgent need for change in Cuba.
Dalton, the son of poet Roque Dalton—who was tragically killed by his guerrilla comrades in 1975—was candid when asked about his comfort level with Bukele. "Honestly, if you observe the two terms he has served as president... this country has transformed in an extraordinary way," he remarked.
A Historical Perspective on El Salvador's Transformation
Though born in El Salvador and raised in Cuba, Dalton provided a historical perspective on his country's evolution, noting that the roots of its violence extend back nearly a century, predating even the 12-year civil war that claimed tens of thousands of lives.
Dalton described the atrocities committed by both sides of the conflict, the guerrillas and the right-wing factions. "Guerrillas would invade homes and kill someone merely for being wealthy, without any crime committed. Mayors were kidnapped simply for being right-wing," he recounted.
Bukele's Role in Breaking the Cycle
According to Dalton, Bukele's key achievement is interrupting this cycle of violence. "What I have to acknowledge about this president is that he ended that war, brought an end to insecurity, dismantled the entrenched traditional right-wing parties, and did away with the outdated, corrupt left-wing party," Dalton asserted.
Having returned to El Salvador with his Cuban wife in 1998, Dalton emphasized the stark contrast with the present. "The El Salvador we discovered upon arriving in '98 is nothing like the El Salvador we see now," he pointed out.
Dalton also noted a cultural shift among Salvadoran youth. In his view, "Young people have started to get used to the idea that this country should live without violence and that life is paramount."
Cautious Optimism for El Salvador's Future
Still, the director of "En un rincón del alma" and "Herido de sombras" was careful not to idealize the process. "Bukele doesn't have a magic wand to solve everything," he warned, adding that "it's a process that can't be defined by two presidential terms, but rather by the societal transformation that must occur."
This nuanced perspective ties in with Dalton's personal journey, as documented in "En un rincón del alma" (2016), which explores the life of Cuban writer Eliseo Alberto Diego, and his thoughts on potential change in Cuba.
Dalton cautioned that societies heavily damaged over decades can plunge into chaos when change finally comes. Many dream of Cuba regaining its title as the "pearl of the Caribbean," but he warned that the outcome "could also be catastrophic, given the extensive harm done to the country's society."
Tangible Results Under Bukele's Leadership
The transformation in El Salvador under Bukele has been reflected in concrete statistics: In May 2025, the president celebrated 900 days without homicides, a historic milestone for a nation once deemed the most violent in the Western Hemisphere. The homicide rate closed in 2024 at a record low.
Jorge Dalton, referencing his father's ironic description of their homeland as "my country, a little piece of crap," highlighted the dramatic shift in El Salvador's global image.
Frequently Asked Questions on El Salvador's Transformation
What has been President Nayib Bukele's most significant achievement according to Jorge Dalton?
According to Jorge Dalton, President Bukele's most significant achievement has been ending the internal conflict and insecurity in El Salvador, dismantling traditional political parties, and fostering a cultural shift towards peace.
How has El Salvador changed since 1998 according to Dalton?
Dalton notes that the El Salvador of today is vastly different from the one he first encountered in 1998, with significant reductions in violence and a cultural shift towards valuing life and peace.
What are the potential risks of societal change in Cuba as indicated by Dalton?
Dalton warns that after decades of damage, societal change in Cuba could lead to chaos, as the extensive harm done to the country's society could result in a catastrophic outcome if not managed carefully.