The deep division in Andean society between rural and townspeople begins at birth, is perpetuated by the schools and continues throughout life. The film evidences the discrimination faced by the children of the rural and extremely poor campesinos. From different food arrangements at school to healthcare, there is a distinct divide between them and the town-dwelling mestizos. Evidence of discrimination's effects is unmitigated by the formal Flag Day festival that brings the two groups together with the campesinos urging their own to stand up against the mestizos and stop appearing cowardly before them. A stark portrayal of abject poverty and deep-rooted discrimination, The Children Know is an intriguing study in ethnographic filmmaking.
