Life in the Andean nations is full of contrast and contradictions. Circumstances vary greatly both between and within countries. Among the region’s major weaknesses are extreme inequality and a lack of social protection. This programme explores the tension between the centuries-old reality of poor governance, exploitation, and impunity, on the one hand, and the awareness of an undeniable need for change, on the other.
Pithole Miguel Hilari / Bolivia 2019 / 22'3" / DCP / colour/black & white / Spanish / Doc
Potosí, the colonial mining town. At the pithole, faces of the workers leaving the mine. These faces, turned into still images, are looked at by children. Images of other times?
Open Mountain Maria Rojas Arias / Portugal/Colombia 2021 / 25'47" / DCP / colour/black & white / Spanish / Exp/Doc
On 19 July 1929, in a town in Colombia, a group of shoemakers fought to improve living and working conditions in the country. They were called The Bolsheviks of Líbano Tolima. Their revolution lasted only one day, and its traces were almost completely lost. The women of this village share with Aura, an anarchist grandmother, a feeling that their rebellion is still going on.
«Vertical Shadow» is a visual journey through the intimacy among migrant residents of a mega-building in Santiago. The pandemic forces them to spend their days locked in close quarters.
First it's paint bombs, followed by riots. Tweets proclaim what is to be done. Resistance is everywhere. Something has to give. Two young activists meet amid turbulent events. They dance. The city belongs to them.
Interferencia Juan Carlos Soto Martínez / Chile 2020 / 11'51" / DCP / colour / Spanish / Doc
A documentary filmmaker investigates a bizarre crime that occurred 47 years ago. But the Covid-19 pandemic breaks out, forcing her to leave the investigation unfinished. Isolated in quarantine, she speculates on possible solutions to the mysterious case.
The Andes mountain range stretches from Argentina, where it serves as a natural border with Chile, up north through Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, where it splits into three branches, one of which extends into Venezuela. The eight curated programmes presented here are the result of a comprehensive audiovisual enquiry into this vast territory. Los Estados Andinos seeks to offer a panorama of the political, social, cultural, and artistic scene of these seven nations, exploring the idiosyncrasies and traditions of each as well as their collective identity and common grounds.
The Latin American film industry, and specifically the film scene in the Andes nations, expanded according to each country’s economic capacity and willingness to invest. It has also been directly connected to social and political turmoil, both within the region and under the influence of external events. While cinema arrived around 1896 and slowly started to disseminate, it was only in the 1940s and 50s that some local productions started to bloom after each nation implemented laws promoting the film industry. Some countries stood out in this respect, Argentina chief amongst them. After World War II, and with the impact of the Cuban Revolution, a new cinematic culture awakened and quickly became politicized. During this period, filmmakers found inspiration in eclectic sources, mainly from abroad, which triggered a phase of exploration.
The 1960s and early 70s were pivotal: the new Latin American cinema movement, forged in a postcolonial environment and ignited by popular movements seeking cultural, political, and economic autonomy, brought a break with established filmmaking practice. The movement intended to reveal Latin American realities with their multiple contrasts and insisted on searching for the overlooked, placing entirely new themes centre stage, such as the collective memory of the excluded. It was a highly critical anti-establishment and anti-mainstream movement aimed at creating a cinema that ignites sociopolitical transformation. Beginning with a fruitful production of films in Argentina and Chile, the movement spread widely through the region to Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and beyond. At the same time, several national movements emerged, striving to develop an autochthonous cinema of auteur films.
The second half of the 1970s brought a decline in cinematic production in the region, along with the rise of dictatorships and a decrease in funds. Many filmmakers went into exile and continued to work from abroad. The 1980s were characterized by struggle, dependency on state support, and precarious channels of distribution. Since the 1990s, industries in the region have once again experienced significant growth and an undeniable creative wave, above all in Argentina, which is rightly seen as a powerhouse of film production, but also in Chile and Colombia. Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador, in turn, are often overlooked, yet they are developing relevant bodies of work that shine a light on indigenous lives in contemporary times.
We are aware of the immense diversity that characterizes the region and of the individuality and particularity of each country. We don’t seek to homogenize or equalize their experiences by any means. Instead, with our selection, we want to feature the multiculturalism of these nations while at the same time portraying their shared experiences in recent and contemporary times. The programmes are not organized by nation; instead, they are thematically structured.
Three programmes explore the socio-political realities in the Andean nations. While two of them, Working the Land and Critical Contrasts, take a historical perspective, Andean Paradox focuses on the present and on a growing tendency to regain agency through action. The programme Tierra vital features a journey through landscapes that shape and condition cultural and identity practices and imaginaries. The sense of belonging is intertwined with the sense of place. Family Comes First, as the title suggests, addresses the importance of family relationships, the struggles and affection between family members. The queer experience and the exploration of bodily autonomy in the region is given a window in the programme Free Your Mind, Free Your Body. Finally, Stories of the Uncanny and Blurred Lines echo each other. The former uses animation as a medium to address difficult, strange, and seemingly dissimilar topics that attract and repel at the same time; the latter is inspired by magic realism, capturing the spirit of the supernatural encapsulated within the mundane. It is an evocative programme, an amalgamation of the real and the magical.
The Andes are a region of many facets. They come with a halo of mystery and mysticism. As a Colombian curator who lived in Europe for several years, I have a sense of the manifold associations of the term «Latin America». Many see us with the eyes of desire and yearning, others with great fear. There are those who observe us with interest and genuine curiosity, while others want to exploit our territories. We are also said to be incredibly open and warm, happy and loving people who welcome everyone with open arms and hearts. Our nations are usually associated with political and social instability, an assessment that is then contrasted with the beauty of our inhabitants and the majestic and varied landscapes of our countries. Despite the stereotypes and what we evoke in the world’s imagery, we surely are a pluricultural and multi-ethnic region that shares the same territory and colonial past and yet encompasses diverse countries with different political and socioeconomic realities and complexities.
Text: Mariana Bonilla Rojas Curated by Mariana Bonilla Rojas, John Canciani, Laura Walde, Federico Windhausen
Andean Paradox
Life in the Andean nations is full of contrast and contradictions. Realities vary greatly both between and within countries. Among the region’s major weaknesses are extreme inequality and a lack of social protection. Migration is rising in many nations. People are constantly searching for better and more dignified conditions, mostly moving because they are forced by violence or a lack of opportunity. Historically, the region has witnessed numerous corrupt, populist, authoritarian, and dictatorial governments and dealt with political and social instability.
The tension between poor governance, exploitation, and impunity – which have been the paradigm for centuries – and the undeniable need for change fuels the selection of films in Andean Paradox.
The programme opens with «Pithole» about the miners of Cerro Rico de Potosí, one of the most dangerous and deteriorated mines in the world, seen through stories and legends recounted by children. Revolutionary women in a territorial conflict are the motivation behind a historic retelling in «Open Mountain». «Vertical Shadow» portrays immigrant experiences during lockdown. A fictionalized romance in times of turmoil sets the tone for «#YA». Past and present meet during the investigation of a cold case in «Interferencia». And finally, «Alerta . Alerta . Alerta» follows a march for women’s rights.
The Andean states are populated with groups who have a renewed sense of justice and spirit of resistance. Lately, heightened by the impact of the Covid pandemic, they have experienced a rise of social movements that strive toward a common goal and go against the establishment. There is an undeniable will to create change, to believe in a new system based on collective autonomy and solidarity. This has increased tensions between rebellious forces and established institutions in the region. Clashes are rising because people are tired of the same old stories and are willing to stand up.
Curated by Mariana Bonilla Rojas and John Canciani
Internationale Kurzfilmtage Winterthur is Switzerland’s major short film festival. For six days every November, we transform the city into a dynamic short film hub.
Kurzfilmtage offers discoveries for everyone: our thoughtfully compiled thematic programmes address current events or topics that our curators are passionate about. The competition programmes showcase the latest filmmaking from around the globe, while installations, performances, and other specials highlight the diversity of audiovisual forms. And a programme of special events including concerts, readings, and more enhance the festival experience.
A short film is not just a shorter film. Shorts are a distinct art form, which we showcase at our annual festival.
Short films come in all shapes and genres, and how long – or short – they are, varies quite a bit. Simpler production processes allow filmmakers to capture the zeitgeist and quickly respond to trends. Shorts can be entertaining or surprising, they can analyse society, take a political stance, or offer glimpses of worlds unknown to us.
We compile our short films into thematic programmes or specific sections, such as our competitions, paying close attention to the selection and sequence of films in each programme. All you need to enjoy short films is an open mind for new discoveries and surprises.
Competitions
Recent short films from around the world. The best shorts will be presented with awards on Sunday evening.
Hors Concours
Recent short films from Zurich, Switzerland, and around the world screened out of competition.
Main Focus
Films that explore a region, a social phenomenon, or an artistic trend.
Country in Focus
The cinema of a country from contemporary and historical perspectives.
Person in Focus
A spotlight on the work of a filmmaker.
Special Programmes
Short film programmes dedicated to topics that our curators are passionate about – or that are simply fun.
Family Programmes
Short film fun for young viewers aged 6+ and for the whole family.
Expanded Cinema
Installations, performances, and exhibitions present the medium of film in unfamiliar forms.
Special Events
Concerts, parties, readings, and many other events enhance the festival experience.
Talks & Panels
Moderated talks and panels after the screenings offer additional context and insight into films and themes.
Industry Events
A wide range of educational events and networking opportunities.
