Italian
Chakalaka Films collaborates with Colombian period drama for Ventana Sur
As the realm of Latin American cinema continues to expand and innovate, a noteworthy collaboration has emerged, promising to captivate audiences worldwide. French production company Chakalaka Films has teamed up with Colombia’s Los Niños Films for the highly anticipated period drama, “In All My Journeys I Am Returning” (original title: “Todos mis viajes son viajes de regreso”). This film is set to participate in Ventana Sur’s Primer Corte industry centerpiece screenings, a key event for Latin American fiction films in post-production.
Exploring the compelling narrative
Set in the early 19th century, “In All My Journeys I Am Returning” follows the journey of Karl and Petronella, a Swedish couple hoping to strike gold in South America. As they travel through desolate territories, scarred by the aftermath of the independence war, they slowly lose their way. Instead of fortune, their expedition turns into a poignant exploration of nostalgia and the haunting presence of otherness. This narrative is not just a period drama but a profound commentary on human longing and identity.
Key cast members announced
Ahead of its debut at Ventana Sur, producers have revealed a stellar cast featuring:
- Camila Bejarano Wahlgren (“The Sandhamn Murders”)
- Frederik Lundin (“The Hypnosis”)
- Denis Lavant (“Holy Motors”)
- Carlos Mario Echeverry (“2091”)
These actors bring a diverse range of talents and experiences, adding depth and credibility to the film.
Aesthetic choices that enhance the story
The film’s aesthetic choices play a crucial role in its storytelling. The use of vintage aspect ratio, on-screen artifacts, and grainy footage contribute to its antique patina, giving viewers the sense of witnessing actual historical events. This artistic approach enhances the film’s authenticity, making the audience feel as though they are peering into a forgotten past.
Debut of a promising director
“In All My Journeys I Am Returning” marks the feature debut of Manuel Ponce de León, a promising director who co-wrote the script with César Jaimes and Jerónimo Uribe. Ponce de León’s 2021 short film, “Beyond the Night”, received a special mention at the Marseille Festival of Documentary Film, signaling his potential in the film industry. The project has already garnered support from the 2022 Malaga Work in Progress (WIP) and Malaga Festival Funds & Co-Production, along with the 2023 FDC Proimagenes Colombia Production Award.
The journey as a central theme
“The journey became the central theme of this project,” shares the filmmaker. “Whether physical or poetic, the journey is a fundamental state of the human soul, a gateway to imagination and the search for identity. Migration emerged as a central issue in our history, an inevitable path to otherness. ‘In All My Journeys I Am Returning’ is a film about the human need to imagine, to be able to return to a life that was lost, one that is desired in the future, or one that may never exist. This film aims to ride that delirious train that seems to travel back to nowhere.”
This thought-provoking perspective underscores the film’s thematic richness and its exploration of the human condition.
Ventana Sur 2023: An important platform
This year’s Ventana Sur takes place in Montevideo, Uruguay, from December 2-6. It is a vital platform for showcasing Latin American cinema, offering filmmakers the opportunity to present their work to an international audience of industry professionals. The inclusion of “In All My Journeys I Am Returning” in the Primer Corte screenings highlights its potential to resonate beyond regional boundaries and attract global interest.
Reflecting on the broader context
The collaboration between Chakalaka Films and Los Niños Films signifies a growing trend in the film industry: the fusion of diverse cultural narratives. Such partnerships not only enrich the storytelling but also enhance the creative processes involved, resulting in films that are both unique and universally relatable.
In an era where migration and identity are increasingly relevant topics, “In All My Journeys I Am Returning” offers a timely reflection on these themes through the lens of historical fiction. The film’s artistic approach and compelling narrative promise to leave a lasting impact on audiences, inviting them to ponder their own journeys of self-discovery and belonging.
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