Aristocrat, anti-fascist, philanthropist: a documentary film has been made about Clemencia Hardisson.
The documentary "Clemencia Hardisson, A Light in Dark Times" tells the story of an aristocrat from the Canary Islands who fought against fascism and helped the disadvantaged, and whose story will be presented on screen.
Klemensia Hardisson's life is a ready-made plot for a movie! An aristocrat who openly opposed fascism and always helped the poor. She was ahead of her time, but, unfortunately, few people know about her. Therefore, the documentary "Klemensia Hardisson, A Light in Times of Darkness" by director Raul Jimenez is a real find.
Klemensia Hardisson Wouters (1908-2000) was born in La Laguna into an aristocratic family with French-Belgian roots. Her family had influential connections in the Canary Islands in the 20th century.
She was always distinguished by her compassion for people, concern for the community, and active participation in the anti-fascist movement. During the political repressions, she was arrested (from December 1937 to March 1939), and then she emigrated to France and Belgium, where she fought against Nazism. For this, she was awarded the French Legion of Honor.
Klemensia came from a wealthy family that owned a large amount of land and real estate. This allowed her to receive an excellent education.
Thanks to her position, she communicated with both Republicans and supporters of Franco, and always tried to protect those who needed help. Her concern for the disadvantaged was obvious, but it was especially evident with the advent of Francoism, when her position became extremely courageous.
Klemensia often attended meetings of left-wing intellectuals. She was very inquisitive and participated in literary circles. Later, she became friends with Jesus Mainar Dupla, the rector of the University of La Laguna, who was imprisoned after the fascist coup.
It was Dupla who most influenced the formation of her views, which the Francoist authorities disliked so much. Klemensia began to be watched, but she was not going to change her beliefs or actions.
Her connection with Juan Jose de Luque, an engineer and anarchist trade unionist, created problems for her. De Luque was a leader followed by workers, and Klemensia adopted his ideas, which came from Barcelona. This ended in imprisonment for her.
The fascist authorities considered Klemensia to be a "very dangerous woman." On December 31, 1937, she was imprisoned and released only two years later. Klemensia cooperated with British intelligence, so she was placed under house arrest and closely monitored.
The pressure was so strong that Klemensia left for Belgium and France, where she survived World War II. She joined the Red Cross and began to participate in the Resistance. For her anti-fascist activities, she received the Legion of Honor in 1945. After that, she returned to Tenerife.
Klemensia returned to the island with a clear goal: to improve the lives of those who needed it most. She sold large plots of land in the Gracia area, and simply gave some to families who had no means of subsistence. She also helped those who suffered from Francoist repressions, not only financially, but also by using her connections in high society.
"She was a wonderful person. Almost all the land on which we live was donated by her to the neighbors. They paid only five pesetas for the paperwork. I think that all the old people in the area, many of whom have already died, have their houses thanks to her," said a neighbor during a memorial service in 2021.
Klemensia died in 2000, leaving behind a good memory. Two streets are named in her honor: in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and in La Laguna. This is a rarity, which indicates her historical significance.
Raul Jimenez has made a documentary film that is of particular value because it collects testimonies from residents of the Gracia area who still remember Klemensia. These memories are combined with historical documents, biographical studies, and rare photographs.
The film tells the story of Klemensia's life against the backdrop of the political and social situation in the Canary Islands in the 20th century. It is a story about a woman who used her position to help others.
The film is directed by Raul Jimenez Pastor, written by Francisco Lopez Felipe and Raul Jimenez, and produced by La Finquita Producciones. Guacimara Rodriguez also worked on the team, responsible for production and sound.
The premiere of the film "Klemensia Hardisson, A Light in Times of Darkness" will take place tomorrow, October 8, at the Leal Theater in La Laguna.