To expand the image of Colombia beyond common stereotypes, Filmhuis Cavia gives space to Cinema Colombiano, a cult film event dedicated to Colombian films. In this iteration, two films from the master Luis Ospina will be screened, with an introduction by Cinema Colombiano.

Luis Ospina was part of the legendary Calywood Group together with Carlos Mayolo, Andrés Caicedo, Ramiro Arbeláez and other artists and filmmakers. He has directed two fiction feature films, Pura sangre (1982) and Soplo de Vida (1999), and has made a wide number of documentaries and short films. His accurate and humorous vision of his country, his strong cinephilia and his commitment to the preservation of the past make him a key figure in Latin America’s recent film history.

The Vampires of Poverty / Agarrando Pueblo
Luis Ospina, Carlos Mayolo | 1978 | 29’ | Colombia | ENG subs

A TV film crew is shooting in the streets of Cali and Bogota searching for poor people, bums, whores, street kids, in order to build a mise-en-scene of misery. An action film simulating a documentary about filmmakers who exploit poverty for commercial purposes. A scathing critique with a touch of black humour against “misery porn” and the opportunism of those filmmakers who make “socio-political” films in the Third World to make money and win prizes in Europe.

Breath of Life / Soplo De Vida
Luis Ospina | 1999 | 110’ | Colombia | ENG subs

Young Golondrina is found dead in a cheap hotel in Bogota. Former policeman Emerson is hired to investigate the crime. He finds out that four men played an important role in her life: Martillo, a boxer who lost his last fight, bullfighter José Luis, corrupt politician Medardo and blind lottery-ticket seller Mago. A Colombian film noir playing with all the codes of this genre in a subtle way while revealing the wounds of Colombian society.