The documentary “Take No Prisoners” follows former top hostage negotiator Roger Carstens in his efforts to free Eyvin Hernandez, a public defender imprisoned in Venezuela. Though the film begins with a dramatic hostage release, it focuses on Hernandez’s family struggle and the negotiation process, highlighting the emotional and political dimensions of hostage situations. Directed by Adam Ciralsky and Subrata De, the film captures the challenging journey towards justice and hope.
The documentary “Take No Prisoners,” directed by Adam Ciralsky and Subrata De, provides an in-depth look at Roger Carstens, America’s former top hostage negotiator, as he endeavors to secure the release of Eyvin Hernandez, a public defender from Los Angeles, who was imprisoned in Venezuela. The filmmakers chose to focus on this poignant story rather than on the 2022 release of seven American hostages, which could easily be the highlight of the narrative.
The film opens dramatically at a Miami tarmac, where Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s nephews are being transported in exchange for American detainees. However, Ciralsky and De opted to chronicle Carstens’s mission to free Hernandez, who found himself imprisoned after a trip to the Colombian-Venezuelan border in 2022. The events led to Hernandez being jailed for alleged “criminal association and conspiracy.”
Ciralsky received extraordinary permission from the Biden administration to document the hostage negotiation process alongside Carstens. The filmmakers were permitted rare access to witness negotiations unfold across various locations, from the Grenadines to Caracas. The resulting documentary, which captures the challenging journey, is complemented by an article in Vanity Fair and a scripted adaptation titled “The Envoy” currently being developed by Hulu.
In discussing their motivation, Ciralsky emphasized the lack of media attention surrounding Hernandez’s plight compared to high-profile cases. De highlighted Carstens’s impartiality in treating all individuals in such situations with equal importance, thereby bringing attention to Hernandez’s ordeal and that of his family.
Ciralsky suggested that the administration permitted access due to the positive foreign policy narrative it provided, as there was little public criticism of their efforts in recovering American citizens from foreign prisons. He noted that because the documentary would follow a long-term story, the government seemed more relaxed regarding media management.
The film interweaves the intense political dynamics of hostage negotiations with the emotional struggles of the Hernandez family. De remarked on the harsh realities families endure during such crises, describing their experience as a continuous state of uncertainty and emotional turmoil, compounded by fluctuating feelings of hope and despair.
As the film approaches its premiere at SXSW, Ciralsky expressed optimism about distribution opportunities, noting the unique trajectory of their project which includes an article, a scripted series, and the documentary itself, creating a multifaceted approach to the story of Eyvin Hernandez.
“Take No Prisoners” offers a gripping exploration of the lengths to which America’s top negotiator will go to rescue a public defender from a Venezuelan prison. By focusing on Eyvin Hernandez’s family’s struggle, the filmmakers shed light on a vital narrative that has received little media attention. The blend of political intrigue and personal anguish underscores the complexity of hostage situations and the emotional toll they impose not only on families but also on negotiators. As they prepare for their world premiere at SXSW, the film’s multifaceted storytelling approach showcases the resilience and determination behind these delicate negotiations, promising to engage audiences deeply.
Original Source: variety.com
