El Susto

A documentary everyone should watch to understand what is behind diabetes in Mexico and all the deaths it causes. I'm a medical doctor and in the last few years I've been working with rural communities in Chiapas, Mexico, among some of the poorest populations. It is impressive how soft drinks can reach even the farthest locations but medicines, vaccines, education cannot. Here we have to fight against soft drinks without even the most basic tools. It is an unfair war where, basically, the patient is condemned to die. This documentary shows this fight and all the agents involved, from politicians to bussinessmen, to storeowners and consumers; the successes and the challenges. The diabetes epidemic in Mexico is not a random event but the consequence of a well organized and promoted injustice. This film is an informative, awareness raising, evidence-based weapon for those who pursue the right to health!

El Susto will appeal to all audiences whether you are in the health care field, looking for a gripping story you will not believe is not fiction or if you are simply seeking intriguing, current information to add to your knowledge bank. This movie will draw you in, stimulate your mind, evoke your emotions and leave you contemplating Big Soda's deplorable actions preying on Mexico's disadvantaged population for months to come. Karen Akins' first documentary is to be commended for its powerful, thoughtful script, depth of details - factual and creative - and its authenticity, original Mexican soundtrack included. Akins takes a courageous stance against Big Soda's marketing tactics as the leading cause of Mexico's Type 2 Diabetes epidemic and worlds' highest death rate from diabetes. As such, El Susto is heavily vetted and accurate to the last detail despite the content often leaving your mouth gaping. The person posting the review titled "Misleading" has clearly not watched this movie. El Susto is not to be missed. It will blow your mind.

As a public health nutrition student, I often approach food documentaries with a grain of salt. However, I was happily surprised by El Susto. They did an amazing job of describing the cultural importance of Coca-Cola in Mexico, how Mexican health has been impacted, and the history of the problem. Most importantly they showed how we can move towards a better future, how we can create change that is sustainable and effective at protecting public health. This movie is a 10/10 recommend to a friend. I am finding myself referencing it with any chance I get. Very well done! I am so happy I got the opportunity to watch and learn from this movie.

Please, please, watch this powerful documental, I am mexican, dietitian and teacher and I believe all the health students should be aware of the information shown in the documentary.

I am a teacher in Sacramento California. El Susto is available in English and Spanish, and I recommend it's use in Spanish classes as well as in English, government, history, and PE classes as a conversation starter in grades 11-12. Students are profoundly ignorant of the world around them, and they are the lovable people we were warned about some years ago: those who will die earlier than their parents. Find a way to show the film to students.