This new documentary tells the epic story that led Guatemala to a tipping point in their history from the genocide trial of former dictator General Rios Montt to the popular movement that toppled sitting President Otto Perez Molina. Focusing on universal themes of justice, racism, power and corruption, 500 YEARS tells the story from the perspective of the majority indigenous Mayan population, and their struggles in their country's growing fight against impunity. This is the third chapter of the trilogy of documentaries on Guatemala, led by Pamela Yates, and follows the films WHEN THE MOUNTAINS TREMBLE (1983) and GRANITO DE ARENA (2011).