Eliza Lynch: Queen of Paraguay (2013)

When Brazil won the war against Paraguay in 1870, they spared the life, but not the reputation of the woman they claimed was the chief villain in the bloodshed. Irish-born Eliza Lynch, lifetime partner of dictator Francisco Solano López, was painted by Brazil as a puppet master, thief and whore, and in 1991 included alongside Lucretia Borgia and Catherine the Great in a book entitled The World’s Wickedest Women. In Paraguay, the country where she lived as a beloved uncrowned queen, she is a national heroine. Fascinated by the contradiction, Irish academics Michael Lillis and Ronan Fanning embarked on 18 years of research to write a biography which forms the basis of Alan Gilsenan’s unique and compassionate documentary. Blending interviews with re-enactments of Eliza’s life – wonderfully performed by actress Maria Doyle – Gilsenan thoughtfully breathes humanity into a portrait of a much maligned woman.

Director: Alan Gilsenan
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 80 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Production: COCO Television
Country: Ireland
Language: English
Original Language: en

Trailer

Eliza Lynch: Queen of Paraguay Trailer
More Films by Director: Alan Gilsenan
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eliza Lynch: Queen of Paraguay about?
When Brazil won the war against Paraguay in 1870, they spared the life, but not the reputation of the woman they claimed was the chief villain in the bloodshed. Irish-born Eliza Lynch, lifetime partner of dictator Francisco Solano López, was painted by Brazil as a puppet master, thief and whore, and in 1991 included alongside Lucretia Borgia and Catherine the Great in a book entitled The World’s Wickedest Women. In Paraguay, the country where she lived as a beloved uncrowned queen, she is a national heroine. Fascinated by the contradiction, Irish academics Michael Lillis and Ronan Fanning embarked on 18 years of research to write a biography which forms the basis of Alan Gilsenan’s unique and compassionate documentary. Blending interviews with re-enactments of Eliza’s life – wonderfully performed by actress Maria Doyle – Gilsenan thoughtfully breathes humanity into a portrait of a much maligned woman.
Who directed Eliza Lynch: Queen of Paraguay?
Eliza Lynch: Queen of Paraguay was directed by Alan Gilsenan.
Who stars in Eliza Lynch: Queen of Paraguay?
Eliza Lynch: Queen of Paraguay stars Maria Doyle Kennedy, Leryn Franco.
How long is Eliza Lynch: Queen of Paraguay?
Eliza Lynch: Queen of Paraguay has a runtime of 1h 20m (80 minutes).
What genre is Eliza Lynch: Queen of Paraguay?
Eliza Lynch: Queen of Paraguay is a Documentary film.
Where was Eliza Lynch: Queen of Paraguay produced?
Eliza Lynch: Queen of Paraguay was produced in Ireland.