For most of his life, Ignacio Carrillo travelled the villages of northern Colombia, playing traditional songs on his accordion, a legendary instrument said to have once belonged to the devil. He eventually married and settled in a small town, leaving the nomadic life behind.
But after the traumatic death of his wife, he vows to never play the accursed accordion again, and embarks on one last journey to return the instrument to its rightful owner. On the way, Ignacio is followed by Fermín, a spirited teenager determined to become his apprentice. Tired of loneliness, Ignacio accepts the young man as his pupil and together they traverse the vast Colombian terrain, discovering the musical diversity of Caribbean culture.
Hardened by a life of solitude, Ignacio tries to discourage Fermín from following in his footsteps, but destiny has different plans for them.
Director: Ciro Guerra
Country: Columbia
Language: Spanish, Palenquero, Wayuunaiki, and Ikun, with English subtitles
Saturday, September 4, 7:30 pm
Sunday, September 5, 2:00 pm (Matinee)
Award of the City of Rome, Cannes Film Festival
Best Latin American Film, Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Best Colombian Film, Cartagena International Film Festival
Golden Pre-Columbian Circle Award, Bogata Film Festival
"... stunningly captures the landscapes and environs of northern Colombia, while featuring a number of jaw-dropping musical set pieces that contribute to its unique, illuminating quality."
Michael Hayden, The Times of London
"...it's as if the filmmaker is drawing music from the earth itself. This is a brilliant, beautiful work of pure cinema."
Bran Jonson, Macleans.ca
