Lights, Camera, Culture: The Latente Cine Fest Shines in Ocaña
Welcome to Ocaña, the new Hollywood—if Hollywood was more about peace and artsy locals than red carpets and ridiculous egos! It’s not every day you see a town hosting an inaugural festival with the catchy name “Latente Cine Fest.” Sounds like it could be either a niche art event or a trendy café that serves avocado toast, doesn’t it? Well, let me tell you, it’s definitely the former! This festival aims to break down borders—living proof that cinema can transcend geographical and cultural boundaries while reminding us that we can still enjoy a good film without the risk of getting a sunburn on a Hollywood beach.
From Radio Waves to Movie Screens
What’s that I hear? The soothing sounds of cinema being transmitted by Radio Nacional de Colombia? Yes, indeed! Armed with journalists Anthony Pacheco and Johanna Lobo, this “Peace Station” is the unsung hero broadcasting the joys of film to eager ears across the Norte Convention of Santander. You know it’s a big deal when radio journalists jump into the cinematic arena! Trust me, it’s not just because the coffee’s better there; these folks are determined to make the world of cinema accessible to everyone—except, perhaps, that guy who insists on talking during the best scenes.
Decentralizing Culture One Film at a Time
Enter Gessler Zúñiga, the festival’s director, channeling his inner James Cameron and announcing a revolutionary commitment to decentralizing cultural spaces. You see, folks, it’s not all about the big cities hogging all the fun! Zúñiga knows it’s high time we bring communities closer to the films. Here’s a truth bomb: the power of storytelling can indeed be a tool for building a culture of peace. Who knew that films could also serve as an antidote to our daily dose of chaos? Seriously, let’s get everyone to watch a rom-com instead of arguing about politics at family dinners!
A Creative Playground
Don’t you just love when festivals offer workshops? The Latente Cine Fest is giving budding filmmakers a fair shake! With scriptwriting labs led by Patricia Ayala, the master of documentary storytelling (that sounds fancy, doesn’t it?), future directors are getting the tools they need to share their own tales. Move over, Tarantino, there’s a new wave coming, folks! And yes, they might not cut it all together in one night, but at least they won’t be breaking any more limbs with their editing skills.
Documentaries with a Heart
When it comes to showcasing the lighter side of life in the harshest of realities, documentaries have a unique way of treading carefully. Featuring productions like ‘La Suprema’ and ‘Tierra Quebrá’, the festival isn’t shying away from critical issues. The poignant “Por Cielo Y Tierra”, created by the Search Unit for Missing Persons, strikes a chord with personal stories that aim to empower. After all, storytelling isn’t just about entertainment; it’s also about making a difference—and maybe helping people avoid existential crises, one film at a time.
The Grand Finale
To cap it all off, what better way to end a film festival than with the gripping story told in “Secaderos”? As we dive into the lives of a city girl and a local teenager intertwined in a tale of magical realism, complete with regional cuisine—who knew your taste buds could join in on the festivities too? But ultimately, Gessler Zúñiga has achieved what many strive for: a meaningful event that managed to attract over two thousand participants! I can hardly get two people to agree on where to have dinner, let alone gather a crowd for films!
Shaping the Future of Cinema
With the success of the Latente Cine Fest, one can only wonder what’s next for the Association of Producers and Filmmakers of the Catatumbo region. Hopefully, it means more films, more passion, and definitely more snacks—because let’s face it, popcorn is sacred, and no cinematic experience is complete without it! Here’s to keeping the lights, camera, and action alive in Ocaña, letting the world see that cinema isn’t just entertainment; it’s a movement towards a culture of peace.
The Latente Cine Fest marks a significant cultural milestone as the first Ibero-American film festival hosted in the historically rich city of Ocaña, located in Norte de Santander. This innovative festival is dedicated to creating communal spaces where audiences can immerse themselves in the audiovisual and cinematographic arts, utilizing these mediums as vital tools for territorial engagement and the fostering of a culture rooted in peace.
The peace station of Radio Nacional de Colombia, situated within the Norte Convention of Santander, enhanced the festival’s outreach with the help of dedicated journalists Anthony Pacheco and Johanna Lobo. They effectively communicated the vibrant world of cinema to the audience, broadening the festival’s impact across the region and reinforcing the importance of cultural programming.
Gessler Zúñiga, the esteemed director of El Latente Cine Fest and of Corporación Errante Lab—the organization behind the festival—emphasized the vital importance of decentralizing cultural engagement. He stated, “This festival represents a profound commitment to cultural decentralization, encouraging communities to claim their territory through art. Furthermore, it provides an invaluable opportunity for residents of Ocaña and the larger Catatumbo region to connect with audiovisual and cinematic arts as essential instruments for cultivating peace.”
In addition to cinematic showcases, the festival prioritized academic development, hosting specialized scriptwriting workshops for documentary short films led by the accomplished Patricia Ayala, a renowned documentary filmmaker and journalist. Another workshop, focused on fiction short film writing, was led by Juan Sebastián Mesa, a distinguished Audiovisual and Multimedia Communicator from the University of Antioquia.
During the inaugural event, Zúñiga acknowledged the pivotal role of the media as crucial partners in promoting cultural initiatives. He remarked on the importance of the Peace in Convention Station’s participation, noting, “The ability of our team to provide coverage is invaluable. It not only enhances our visibility on both regional and national levels but also ensures that our offerings reach various municipalities in the Catatumbo region. This festival is a celebration of the audiovisual arts, one that the surrounding communities should wholeheartedly embrace.”
It should be noted that productions such as ‘La Suprema,’ directed by Felipe Holguín Caro and produced by María Teresa Gaviria; ‘Tierra Quebrá’ by Nina Marín; and ‘La Roya’ by Juan Sebastián Mesa were part of the impressive lineup of audiovisual productions showcased throughout the city, reflecting a diverse array of storytelling.
The documentary “Por Cielo Y Tierra” was another highlight, produced by the Search Unit for Persons Reported Missing. This powerful audiovisual piece underscores the poignant search efforts undertaken by five women across various regions of Colombia, emphasizing the deeply personal narratives tied to the topic of missing persons.
In the midst of the various activities, the Peace Station underscored the festival’s transformative impact, particularly regarding the inclusion of women in the cinematic arena and the empowerment of communities through storytelling that promotes peace and understanding.
Finally, the film week in Ocaña culminated with a screening of “Secaderos,” directed by Roció Mesa. This captivating narrative weaves together the lives of a city girl discovering a small rural town and a local teenager confined by societal expectations. Set against the backdrop of tobacco dryers, the story unfolds over a summer imbued with magical realism and is complemented by a gastronomic showcase of regional culinary delights. Gessler expressed his contentment with the festival’s success, noting, “The diverse array of activities, including cinema in neighborhoods, workshops, and industry meetings, engaged over two thousand participants, marking a remarkably positive outcome.”
As a result of this enriching experience, the groundwork was also laid for establishing the Association of Producers and Filmmakers of the Catatumbo region, an initiative designed to strengthen the local filmmaking sector and ensure that the Cine Fest will continue to thrive for years to come.
How does Gessler Zúñiga envision the role of film in fostering peace within communities?
**Interview with Gessler Zúñiga, Director of the Latente Cine Fest**
**Editor:** Welcome, Gessler! We’re thrilled to have you here to discuss the inaugural Latente Cine Fest in Ocaña. It seems like a groundbreaking event for the region. Can you tell us what inspired you to create this festival?
**Gessler Zúñiga:** Thank you! The inspiration behind the Latente Cine Fest stems from a desire to bring cinema closer to communities that often don’t have access to cultural events like film festivals. Ocaña has a rich history, and our goal is to utilize film as a way to foster peace and cultural engagement in the Catatumbo region. We want to decentralize cultural experiences and give a platform to local voices.
**Editor:** It’s fascinating to hear you emphasize decentralization. What role do you see film playing in promoting peace in communities?
**Gessler Zúñiga:** Film has a unique ability to tell stories that transcend boundaries—cultural, social, and geographical. By sharing diverse stories, we can foster understanding and empathy in our communities. It’s not just about entertainment; it’s about using storytelling as a means to build connections and cultivate a culture rooted in peace.
**Editor:** The festival also includes workshops for aspiring filmmakers, which is fantastic! How do you think these educational opportunities will impact participants?
**Gessler Zúñiga:** Absolutely! Our workshops, led by accomplished filmmakers, are integral to nurturing new talent. By providing them with the tools and knowledge to create their stories, we empower them to share their unique perspectives. It’s about giving them a voice and encouraging them to contribute to the narrative landscape of their communities.
**Editor:** Speaking of narratives, the festival showcased some poignant documentaries. Can you share how you selected these films?
**Gessler Zúñiga:** We sought out documentaries that resonate with our core theme of peace. Films like *La Suprema* and *Tierra Quebrá* highlight critical social issues while also offering hope and resilience. We want to ignite conversations around these topics and encourage audiences to reflect on their own experiences.
**Editor:** It sounds like you’ve created a vibrant space for cultural exchange. What can we expect from future editions of the Latente Cine Fest?
**Gessler Zúñiga:** We hope to see the festival grow even more, both in terms of participation and programming. We’re committed to nurturing local filmmakers and expanding our reach across the region. Ultimately, we want to make the Latente Cine Fest an annual celebration that continues to connect communities through the power of film.
**Editor:** Thank you, Gessler! It’s inspiring to see such dedication to promoting the arts in Ocaña. We look forward to seeing how the festival evolves in the coming years.
**Gessler Zúñiga:** Thank you for having me! Let’s keep the lights, camera, and action alive in Ocaña!