The massacre occurred during a period of extreme political repression in Chile. The Pinochet regime, which had taken power in 1973, was known for its brutal suppression of dissent and opposition. Many people, including politicians, activists, and ordinary citizens, were arrested, tortured, and killed.

The women-in-prison (WIP) film genre reached its zenith of popularity in the 1970s and early 1980s, characterized by a specific formula of exploitation, nudity, and rebellion. However, few entries in the genre are as deliriously chaotic or stylistically distinct as Bruno Mattei’s 1983 film, Women’s Prison Massacre (originally titled Emanuelle Escapes from Hell ). For fans of cult cinema, often seeking out the version labeled "mtrjm" (translated/subtitled) to catch the outrageous dialogue, the film stands as a pinnacle of "so-bad-it’s-good" filmmaking. It is a movie that transcends its low-budget roots to become a surreal study of violence and vengeance.

The situation escalates dramatically when four dangerous male death row inmates, led by "Crazy Boy" Henderson, break into the facility and take the women hostage