Madrid will host the premiere of “Óscar,” a documentary chronicling the life and controversial death of former Venezuelan inspector Óscar Pérez, on April 19, 2026. The film, directed by Vanessa Whaite, promises a detailed reconstruction of Pérez’s journey from a decorated law enforcement officer to a fugitive who publicly challenged the Nicolás Maduro government. The premiere will take place at Cinesa Proyecciones in Madrid’s Chamberí district, with screenings scheduled for 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, offering audiences a retrospective look at a pivotal figure in recent Venezuelan history.
Pérez rose to prominence within the Cuerpo de Investigaciones Científicas, Penales y Criminalísticas (CICPC) before publicly denouncing high-ranking officials within the Maduro administration in 2017, alleging their involvement in drug trafficking and terrorism. These accusations quickly led to him being branded a wanted man, forcing him into hiding and culminating in a deadly confrontation with security forces in January 2018. The events surrounding his death were broadcast live on social media, captivating and polarizing audiences both within Venezuela and internationally.
The documentary aims to offer a comprehensive look at Pérez’s life, exploring his career within the CICPC and the circumstances that led him to oppose the Venezuelan government. According to a press release, the film utilizes a wealth of audiovisual material, documents, and firsthand testimonies to paint a portrait of the man and the events surrounding his downfall. The production team includes Daniel Lara Farías, Leonardo Moleiro, and Daniel Bethencourt as executive producers.
From Law Enforcement to Accusations
Óscar Pérez’s story is deeply intertwined with the escalating political crisis in Venezuela. He openly accused President Nicolás Maduro and members of his administration of leading the country under structures linked to narcoterrorism, asserting his intention to bring those responsible to justice through international legal channels. This public stance transformed him into one of the most sought-after individuals in the country.
The operation that resulted in Pérez’s death in January 2018 was particularly controversial, with portions of it being streamed live on social media platforms. This real-time coverage amplified the event’s impact and fueled debate about the circumstances surrounding his demise. The documentary seeks to revisit these events eight years later, providing a space for reflection on this significant episode in Venezuela’s recent history.
Vanessa Whaite, the director, dedicated years to gathering material, testimonies, and documents to reconstruct Pérez’s life. The film reportedly delves into different stages of his life, from his time as a police officer to his decision to publicly challenge the government.
A Retrospective Look at a Controversial Figure
“Óscar” intends to offer a multifaceted perspective on the events, utilizing audiovisual material, documents, and testimonies to reconstruct the narrative from various viewpoints. The film aims to provide a retrospective analysis of the political climate in Venezuela and the factors that contributed to Pérez’s actions and ultimate fate.
Tickets for the Madrid premiere are available at www.oscarperezthemovie.com. Further information can be found on the film’s Instagram page: @oscarperezthemovie.
The release of this documentary comes at a time of continued political and social upheaval in Venezuela, and it is expected to spark further discussion about the country’s recent past and its ongoing challenges. The film’s premiere in Madrid provides an international platform for examining a story that has resonated deeply within Venezuela and beyond.
As the premiere approaches, audiences are anticipating a nuanced and insightful exploration of Óscar Pérez’s life and the complex circumstances surrounding his death. The documentary promises to be a significant contribution to the understanding of a pivotal moment in Venezuelan history.
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