A new wave of freedom: ‘The Beach of the Enchaquirados’ finds global acclaim

A documentary’s journey from local shores to international screens

The Ecuadorian documentary The Beach of the Enchaquirados has recently been embraced by The Hague-based Latin Quarter, a company dedicated to the sales, co-production, and distribution of Latin American, Spanish, and Latinx diaspora cinema. Originally released in 2021, this film has found renewed interest following its screenings at the Locarno Film Festival’s Open Doors section.

A story of dreams and resilience

The documentary, directed by Iván Mora Manzano, tells the compelling story of Vicky, a fisherman by day and bar owner by night. Vicky’s childhood dream was to become a radio soap opera star, but now she dreams of finding love again. The film explores how a small, seemingly barren place in the third world has managed to foster a unique form of freedom and tolerance.

The Beach of the Enchaquirados has already made waves at several high-profile international festivals, including IDFA, Guadalajara, and Doclisboa, where it won the Arquipélago Contemporary Art Center Award. This recognition underscores the film’s powerful narrative and its ability to resonate with audiences worldwide.

The director’s vision

Iván Mora Manzano, known for his previous works that have screened at prestigious festivals like Venice and Mar del Plata, brings a unique perspective to this documentary. He describes his motivation as a desire to explore underrepresented communities and challenge his own prejudices. “I’m interested in exploring places where my prejudices can be decoded. This project matched that need. I have named this search as the ‘intimacy in the periphery,’” he explains.

Mora’s approach is deeply personal and reflective. He felt compelled to tell the story of trans activists living just a hundred kilometers from his conservative city. In Engabao, the rural village where the film was shot, trans individuals find acceptance in ways that are often elusive in more populated areas. They live openly as fishermen, hardware store clerks, and cooks, roles that are less accessible to trans people in urban settings where they are often marginalized.

A fresh oasis of freedom

Latin Quarter founder and managing director Juan Castro praises the film for its beauty and thought-provoking narrative. “In our continuous search for the latest aesthetic and expressive trends in contemporary Latinx cinema, we’ve been amazed by the beauty of Ivan’s film, a contemplative thought-provoking transgressive story which feels like a fresh oasis of freedom in a mainly homophobic territory,” he says.

The goal now is to bring The Beach of the Enchaquirados to a broader audience. Latin Quarter plans to host screenings across Europe, with impact premieres in key cities such as Berlin, Amsterdam, London, Madrid, and Barcelona. They are also working with a network of buyers to create new distribution opportunities for the film.

A personal reflection for cinema enthusiasts

For those who cherish cinema that challenges societal norms and offers a window into underrepresented lives, The Beach of the Enchaquirados is a must-watch. The film not only tells a poignant story but also invites viewers to reflect on their own prejudices and the societal structures that perpetuate them. It’s a reminder of the power of storytelling to foster empathy and understanding.

Watch the trailer

To get a glimpse of this remarkable documentary, you can watch the trailer for The Beach of the Enchaquirados.

Final thoughts

The Beach of the Enchaquirados is more than just a documentary; it’s a testament to the resilience and courage of those who live on the fringes of society. It challenges viewers to look beyond their own biases and see the humanity in everyone. As it continues to gain international recognition, this film stands as a beacon of hope and a call for greater acceptance and understanding in our world.