Pajaros de Verano, which translates to Birds of Passage, is a Colombian drama film directed by Cristina Gallegos and Ciro Guerra. The movie, which was released in 2018, was critically acclaimed and is considered one of the best films to come out of Colombia in recent years. The movie stars Carmiña MartÃnez, José Acosta, and Natalia Reyes in lead roles.
The film is set in the 1970s in La Guajira, a remote region of northern Colombia. The story follows the lives of the Wayuu people, an indigenous community that has its own culture, language, and traditions. The Wayuu people are known for their strict adherence to customs and rituals, and the film explores how their way of life is affected by the introduction of drugs and the drug trade.
The story revolves around the family of Ursula (Carmiña MartÃnez), the matriarch of a prominent Wayuu clan. Ursula's family is respected in the community, and they earn their living by selling goats and goatskins. However, when her grandson, Rapayet (José Acosta), falls in love with the beautiful Zaida (Natalia Reyes), he decides to make a bold move to prove his worthiness to marry her. Rapayet and his friend, Moises (Jhon Narváez), decide to sell marijuana to a group of Americans who come to the region.
The drug trade seems like an easy way to make a quick profit, but it comes with dangerous consequences. As Ursula and her family become more and more entangled in the drug trade, their way of life is threatened. The film explores the clash between traditional Wayuu values and modern capitalist principles, and how the introduction of drugs and the drug trade changes the dynamics of the community.
Pajaros de Verano is a visually stunning film that showcases the beauty of the Colombian landscape. The filmmakers spent months researching and immersing themselves in Wayuu culture, and it shows in the attention to detail in the movie. The film features beautiful traditional Wayuu costumes, rituals, and music, which adds to the authenticity of the story.
The film also features powerful performances from its lead actors. Carmiña MartÃnez, in particular, delivers a standout performance as Ursula. Her steely determination, coupled with her deep love for her family, adds depth to the story. José Acosta, who plays Rapayet, is equally impressive as the young man torn between his love for Zaida and his duty to his family.
Overall, Pajaros de Verano is a powerful film that explores the clash between tradition and modernity, and the devastating consequences of greed and ambition. The film is not just a story of drug trafficking, but a story of a community struggling to preserve its way of life in the face of external forces. The film won several awards at various film festivals, including Best Film at the Sydney Film Festival, and it is easy to see why. With its stunning visuals, powerful performances, and thought-provoking story, Pajaros de Verano is a must-watch for fans of quality cinema.
