by KIKE CALVO
Dive into the vibrant heart of Colombia with our curated list of must-watch films that showcase the country’s rich culture, diverse landscapes, and compelling history. From gripping narratives set against the backdrop of Colombia’s lush rainforests to poignant documentaries that explore its musical and literary heritage, these films provide a panoramic view of Colombian life. Whether you’re a cinephile or a casual viewer eager to understand more about this dynamic nation, our guide spans a variety of genres and eras, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Discover the artistic expressions that have shaped Colombia’s identity on the global stage through these cinematic masterpieces.
La Vendedora de Rosas (The Rose Seller) – 1998, VĆctor Gaviria
- Description: A realistic portrayal of the street children of MedellĆn, focusing on a young girl selling roses to survive, which delves into the harsh realities of urban poverty and addiction.
La Virgen de los Sicarios (Our Lady of the Assassins) – 2000, Barbet Schroeder
- Description: Set in MedellĆn, this film explores the violent world of gangs through the eyes of a writer who returns to his hometown and forms a relationship with a teenage hitman.
Los Colores de la MontaƱa (The Colors of the Mountain) – 2010, Carlos CĆ©sar ArbelĆ”ez
- Description: A touching narrative about a young boy in rural Colombia who dreams of playing soccer while dealing with the ongoing conflict that affects his community.
El Abrazo de la Serpiente (Embrace of the Serpent) – 2015, Ciro Guerra
- Description: An epic that chronicles the journeys of two scientists working with an Amazonian shaman to find a sacred plant. The film is shot in stunning black and white and explores themes of colonialism and cultural survival.
Maria Full of Grace (Maria Llena Eres de Gracia) – 2004, Joshua Marston
- Description: This film follows a young Colombian woman who becomes a drug mule to make a better life for herself, highlighting the perils of drug trafficking.
Paraiso Travel – 2008, Simon Brand
- Description: The story of Colombian immigrants who risk everything to reach the United States, only to find their promised paradise may not be as they envisioned.
Monos – 2019, Alejandro Landes
- Description: A survivalist saga set in the remote mountains, where a group of armed teens must guard a hostage and a conscripted milk cow.
El Cartel de los Sapos (The Snitch Cartel) – 2011, Carlos Moreno
- Description: Based on a true story, this film delves into the life of a man who rises in the ranks of Colombia’s drug cartel and eventually becomes an informant for the DEA.
La Cara Oculta (The Hidden Face) – 2011, AndrĆ©s Baiz
- Description: A psychological thriller involving a love triangle and mysterious disappearances, set against a backdrop of musical ambition.
SatanĆ”s (Satan) – 2007, AndrĆ©s Baiz
- Description: Based on the novel by Mario Mendoza, it explores the intersecting lives of several troubled individuals in BogotĆ”, culminating in tragic violence.
Los Caminos del Viento (The Paths of the Wind) – Upcoming, Klych LĆ³pez
- Description: This film, yet to be released, is expected to explore themes of memory, loss, and reconciliation within the context of Colombia’s complex social landscape.
El Amor en los Tiempos del CĆ³lera (Love in the Time of Cholera) – 2007, Mike Newell
- Description: Adapted from Gabriel GarcĆa MĆ”rquez’s novel, it tells a passionate story of unrequited love that spans decades in the Caribbean coast of Colombia.
Del Amor y Otros Demonios (Of Love and Other Demons) – 2009, Hilda Hidalgo
- Description: Another adaptation of GarcĆa MĆ”rquez’s work, focusing on a young noblewoman believed to be possessed, exploring themes of love and exorcism.
Cronica de una Muerte Anunciada (Chronicle of a Death Foretold) – 1987, Francesco Rosi
- Description: A dramatic retelling of GarcĆa MĆ”rquezās novel about the murder of Santiago Nasar, which everyone knows is going to happen yet no one intervenes to stop.
Gabo: La Magia de lo Real (Gabo: The Magic of Reality) – 2015, Justin Webster
- Description: A documentary about the life and work of Nobel laureate Gabriel GarcĆa MĆ”rquez, highlighting his impact on literature and politics.
La Estrategia del Caracol (The Strategy of the Snail) – 1993, Sergio Cabrera
- Description: A humorous tale of tenants in BogotĆ” who outwit their landlord to avoid eviction, showcasing the ingenuity of Colombians.
**Perder es CuestiĆ³n de MĆ©todoContinuing the list with brief descriptions:
Perder es CuestiĆ³n de MĆ©todo – 2004, Sergio Cabrera
- Description: A darkly comedic film that investigates a bizarre murder, weaving a narrative of corruption and real estate greed in BogotĆ”.
El Rey (The King) – 2004, JosĆ© Antonio Dorado
- Description: A dramatic story based on the life of a Colombian drug lord who was instrumental in establishing the cocaine trade in Colombia in the early 1970s.
Sumas y Restas (Additions and Subtractions) – 2005, VĆctor Gaviria
- Description: Focuses on a man drawn into the world of drug trafficking, offering a raw look at the impact of narcotics in Colombia.
SofĆa y el Terco (Sofia and the Stubborn Man) – 2012, AndrĆ©s Burgos
- Description: A charming film about an elderly woman who dreams of seeing the sea, and the lengths she goes to achieve her goal despite her stubborn husband.
Los Viajes del Viento (The Wind Journeys) – 2009, Ciro Guerra
- Description: A musician travels across Colombia with his accordion, exploring cultural roots and the transformative power of music.
El Viaje del AcordeĆ³n (The Accordion’s Voyage) – 2015, Rey Sagbini and Andrew Tucker
- Description: A documentary that traces the cultural significance of the accordion in Vallenato music, exploring its origins and contemporary relevance.
Fiesta Brava – 2013, Fabio Castillo
- Description: A documentary focusing on the tradition of bullfighting in Colombia, examining its cultural implications and controversies.
Magia Salvaje (Wild Magic) – 2015, Mike Slee
- Description: A visually stunning documentary that showcases Colombia’s rich biodiversity, from high Andean peaks to deep Amazonian jungles.
Sonidos Invisibles (Invisible Sounds) – 2017, Ana MarĆa Arango
- Description: A documentary that delves into the diverse sounds of Colombia’s landscapes and cities, portraying how sound defines cultural and natural environments.