MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Oliver Stone and film “South of the Border” greeted by thousands of Bolivians

The film director is touring Latinamerica to promote the film

Noted US political firebrand and film director Oliver Stone attended the Bolivian premiere of his documentary “South of the Border” Tuesday night at El Coliseo La Coronilla, an enormous indoor sports stadium in Cochabamba.

More than six thousand Bolivians, including Bolivian President Evo Morales, attended. Stone even walked away with the key to the city, bestowed on him by the city’s mayor.

“I don’t think in my entire career in cinema I’ve seen a crowd so big to see a movie of mine,” Stone told the audience. “I’m honoured to bring this film to Cochabamba.”

The event is part of a larger tour Stone has made through Spain and South America, where the film will be released this month. Cinema Libre Studio will un-reel the documentary in the US June 25, and Dogwoof will release it in the UK July 30.

Historian Tariq Ali and Mark Weisbrot wrote the film, a chronicle of Stone’s travels throughout South America late last year and his interviews with leaders in the region.

Cinema Libre Studio has also distributed the films”Outfoxed,” “Angels In The Dust” and “The End of Poverty?”

Stone is a close friend of Cuban leader Fidel Castro, Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez and Bolivia’s Evo Morales.