Violencia by Jorge Forero
The Museum of the Moving Image and Cinema Tropical, with the support of the Colombian International Film Festival New York, will present the special mini film series 'Colombia Pictures: Films from Burning Blue,' playing tribute to the Colombian production company in New York City on Sunday, September 11.
Burning Blue, one of the key players in the current renaissance of Colombian cinema, was founded in 2010 by Diana Bustamante, Jorge Forero, and Paola Pérez Nieto, it has rapidly become one of Colombia’s leading film production companies, focusing on projects with strong aesthetic and narrative elements, particularly from first-time directors.
‘Colombia Pictures’ demonstrates a revitalized Colombian cinema by presenting three of Burning Blue’s acclaimed titles, including the New York premiere of Violencia by Forero, The Wind Journeys by Ciro Guerra—director of the celebrated Academy Award nominated film Embrace of the Serpent—and Los Hongos, the sophomore feature by Óscar Ruiz Navia.
The Wind Journeys by Ciro Guerra
In Violencia, a man in chains in the jungle, a young man who dreams of being part of something, and a militant from an armed group are caught up in violence that they do not understand. In Forero’s simmering directorial debut, the characters reveal the subtle truths about living in a war-town country. The film paints a portrait of a sick and injured society where people wish to find happiness nonetheless, by trying to live, dream, and love.
The Wind Journeys, the second film by director Guerra tells the story of Ignacio, an itinerant accordionist who marries and settles in a small town, leaving his nomadic life behind. After the death of his wife, he embarks on one last journey to return the instrument to its proper owner. Ignacio is followed by Fermín, a feisty teenager who is determined to become his apprentice. Tired of solitude, Ignacio accepts him as his pupil and together they traverse the vast Colombian terrain.
Los Hongos by Óscar Ruiz Navia
Los Hongos, the vibrant feature by Ruiz Navia, street artists Ras and Calvin look to make revolutionary statements by altering their surroundings. Inspired by the Arab Spring uprisings, they attempt to create a vast mural that will express their solidarity. With a delightfully rambling story line, and bursting with color and music, Los Hongos is a multi-generational tale that captures the energy of youth.
