Discovery en Espanol Premieres Original Series ‘What Happened When’ with Debut of the Story of Elian Gonzalez

Starting this April, Discovery en Espanol, the leading provider of high-quality, real-world Spanish-language programming, will take viewers on a journey back in time to revisit pivotal moments in history. The riveting documentary series, entitled, “What Happened When”, begins with a special presentation on Sunday, April 27 at 10:00 PM ET/PT of “The Story of Elian Gonzalez”.

Elian’s story is explored in this insightful documentary, from his dramatic survival at sea and miraculous arrival on our shores on Thanksgiving Day, to the subsequent drama that unfolded in the community and internationally which culminated with his controversial return to Cuba on Easter Sunday by the United States Government. The documentary, as others in the series, delves deep, bringing viewers into the realities of the situation including events and happenings previously not known, via impactful reenactments and firsthand accounts.

“The Story of Elian Gonzalez” poignantly captures, unlike no other, an event that divided a family and a nation and became the focal point in the largest conflict between Cuba and the United States since the Cuban Missile crisis.

“Our aim was to take viewers into the moment to experience it as if for the first time via re-enactments and firsthand accounts that capture instances not showcased in the media. The production team spent hours talking to those who were there and over 1,000 hours selecting footage which tells the full story that captures the drama, the emotions and the controversy on both sides as never before,” said Bilai Joa Silar, VP and Channel Director for Discovery en Espanol.

Some riveting quotes from the documentary “What Happened When – The Story of Elian Gonzalez”:

“I wept for a child and a family caught up in politics… so unnecessary. What could have been solved in love ended up with hate,” from Sister Jeanne O’Laughlin who provided a neutral meeting place for Elian and his grandmothers during the height of the conflict.

“I truly believe that the reason they asked me to wake-up the family at 4 o’clock was because they wanted everybody awake when they came in with machine guns;” Mayor Manny Diaz, City of Miami and legal counsel for the Gonzalez family at the time of the incident.

“This case has been heartbreaking for everybody involved, but we believe the law is clear,” former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno.

“Fidel Castro in the wake of the end of the Cold War was desperate to be relevant again. And in that sense Elian was just as much a political blessing for him as it was for the exiles,” from Tim Padgett Time Magazine Correspondent who helped bring the issue to national prominence.

*These quotes are taken directly from statements made by the parties featured in the documentary.

The full documentary series “What Happened When” continues through June 12th with different episodes airing every Thursday night on Discovery en Espanol at 9:00 PM ET/PT. Each episode explores, blow-by-blow, what exactly happened in those moments that changed the world and shaped our culture.

The “What Happened When” series offers viewers a compelling yet objective view of our world that is meant to inspire thoughtful debate and introspection,” said Luis Silberwasser, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Discovery Networks U.S. Hispanic Group.

WHAT HAPPENED WHEN FULL PROGRAMMING LINE-UP:

What Happened When – First Arab Israeli Plane Hijacking
Premieres, Thursday May 1st, 9 PM ET/PT

What Happened When – First Test Tube Baby
Premieres, Thursday May 8th, 9 PM ET/PT

What Happened When – Dolly: The First Cloned Sheep
Premieres, Thursday May 15th, 9 PM ET/PT

What Happened When – Separating Conjoined Twins
Premieres, Thursday May 22nd, 9 PM ET/PT

What Happened When- Sago Mine Disaster. On the Other Side
Premieres, Thursday May 29th, 9 PM ET/PT

What Happened When – Saving Ronald Reagan
Premieres, Thursday June 5th, 9 PM ET/PT

What Happened When – Attack on the USS Cole
Premieres, Thursday June 12th, 9 PM ET/PT
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• No backing down for Ladies in White protesters in Cuba – The Ladies in White marched to mark the anniversary of Black Spring, but without the abuse they suffered during the previous day’s march.
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• Brutal atropello contra las Damas de Blanco
• Video: Violencia en Cuba contra Damas de Blanco
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