Skip to main content
Top

Small Cinemas of the Andes

New Aesthetics, Practices and Platforms

  • 2023
  • Book

About this book

This book examines the emergence of small cinemas of the Andes, covering digital peripheries in Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru and Colombia. The volume critically assesses heterogeneous audiovisual practices and subaltern agents, elucidating existing tensions, contradictions and resistances with respect to established cinematic norms. The reason these small cinematic sectors are of interest is twofold: first, the film markets of the aforementioned countries are often eclipsed by the filmmaking giants of Mexico, Brazil and Argentina; second, within the Andean countries these small cinemas are overshadowed by film board-backed cinemas whose products are largely designed for international film festivals.

Table of Contents

  1. Frontmatter

  2. Chapter 1. Introduction: Theorizing and Contextualizing Small(er) Cinemas of the Andes

    Diana Coryat, Christian León, Noah Zweig
    The chapter delves into the rise of small(er) cinemas in the Andean region, focusing on Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia. It explores how these independent, grassroots, and low-budget film sectors challenge established cinematic norms and offer alternative representations of culture and identity. The text discusses the historical context, the impact of digital technologies, and the unique challenges faced by these cinemas. It also highlights the importance of these cinemas in reflecting the diverse experiences and struggles of subaltern populations. The chapter provides a detailed analysis of various case studies, offering insights into the creative processes and the societal impact of these small(er) cinemas.
  3. Filming Smaller Nations

    1. Frontmatter

    2. Chapter 2. Filming the Andes: Contemporary Aesthetic Configurations of the Andean World

      Karolina Romero
      The chapter delves into the rich tapestry of contemporary Andean cinematic representations, focusing on the aesthetic and narrative strategies employed by filmmakers to depict the Andean world. It examines films that challenge traditional notions of 'Andean realism' and explores the plurality of Andean identities and community practices. The analysis covers films like Wiñaypacha, Killa, Retablo, and La sinfónica de los Andes, highlighting their unique approaches to time, space, and community representation. The chapter also discusses the impact of digital technologies and the expansion of 'small cinemas' on Andean filmmaking, emphasizing the heterogeneity and innovation in these cinematic practices. By moving away from essentialist views, the chapter offers a fresh perspective on the complex and diverse world of Andean cinema.
    3. Chapter 3. Technological Appropriation and Audiovisual Sovereignty in an Indigenous Key

      Pablo Mora Calderón
      The chapter 'Technological Appropriation and Audiovisual Sovereignty in an Indigenous Key' delves into the burgeoning audiovisual practices of Indigenous peoples in Colombia since the 2010s. It highlights the political and cultural factors driving this emergence, including advocacy for communication rights and the establishment of Indigenous film festivals. The text explores the appropriation of digital technologies by Indigenous communities, such as the Arhuaco, Kogui, and Wiwa peoples, and their integration into traditional cosmologies. It also discusses the demand for audiovisual sovereignty, emphasizing the need for Indigenous control over media representation. The chapter concludes by examining the potential impact of these technological shifts on Indigenous cultures and the broader societal implications of their growing media presence.
    4. Chapter 4. Indigenous Audiovisual Producers of Ecuador: An Integral Practice of “Cosmovivencia”

      Eliana Champutiz
      The chapter delves into the practice of 'cosmovivencia' in Indigenous audiovisual production, analyzing four key components: self-representation, content design, audiovisual dynamics, and Indigenous techniques. It also highlights the work of CORPANP, an Indigenous collective that has coined the term 'cosmovivencia' to describe the lived experience of Indigenous peoples. The chapter discusses the importance of self-representation in breaking away from anthropological views and the need for inclusive public policies to support Indigenous cinema. It also explores the challenges and triumphs of Indigenous filmmakers in representing their cultures authentically and the significance of 'cosmovivencia' in understanding Indigenous life and communication.
    5. Chapter 5. Indigenous Audiovisual Practices, Post-National Discourses and Poetics of the Small

      Christian León
      The chapter delves into the evolution of Indigenous audiovisual practices, tracing their trajectory from the 1980s to the present. It discusses key concepts such as 'Fourth World cinemas' and 'Indigenous media,' and explores the work of Alberto Muenala and Amaru Cholango, two influential Indigenous artists in Ecuador. The text highlights the political and cultural significance of their work, emphasizing their role in challenging colonial narratives and promoting self-representation. It also examines the broader context of Indigenous video production, including the role of organizations like CLACPI and the impact of technology on Indigenous expression. The chapter concludes by positioning Indigenous audiovisual practices as a form of 'small visualities,' emphasizing their importance in the broader landscape of global visual cultures.
    6. Chapter 6. Audiovisual Practices and Production of the Commons

      Luz Estrello, Julio César Gonzales Oviedo, Amanda Gonzales Cordova
      The chapter delves into the evolution of community audiovisual practices in Latin America, tracing their roots back to the New Latin American Cinema movement and the principles of popular communication. It discusses the theoretical frameworks that have emerged to understand these practices, including the notion of the 'commons' and the production of shared goods. The chapter also highlights various case studies, such as Indigenous video movements and educational initiatives, to illustrate the diverse ways communities are using audiovisual media for self-representation and social change. By analyzing these practices through the lens of the commons, the chapter offers a fresh perspective on the political and cultural implications of community-driven media production.
  4. Images of the Small Community

    1. Frontmatter

    2. Chapter 7. Recovering One’s Own Voice to Redefine What is Visible, Desirable and Possible: La Escuela Audiovisual Al Borde

      Ana Lucia Ramírez Mateus
      The chapter delves into the creation of the Escuela Audiovisual Al Borde, a school dedicated to empowering sexual and gender dissidents in South America to produce autobiographical documentaries. It discusses the school's methodology, which emphasizes collaborative learning and the importance of telling personal stories to challenge dominant narratives. The chapter also explores the challenges faced by participants in making their stories visible and the impact of these documentaries on both individual and collective levels. By sharing personal experiences and creating a supportive community, the Escuela Audiovisual Al Borde has become a pioneering force in community cinema, offering a platform for marginalized voices to be heard and seen.
    3. Chapter 8. Ojo Semilla: Weaving Feminisms Through Community Cinema

      Diana Coryat, Carolina Dorado Lozano, Karla Valeri Morales Aguayo
      Ojo Semilla is a community cinema project that brings together women from various backgrounds to create films that represent their experiences and perspectives. The chapter discusses the feminist pedagogies and intercultural collaborations that underpin the project, focusing on the creation of three short films in the Valle del Chota region of Ecuador. It highlights the importance of collective scripting, workshops, and exercises that foster trust and dialogue among participants. The films produced, such as 'Carillas: Mujeres fuertes y aguerridas', 'El retumbar de las voces', and 'Mujer Montaña', embody the principles of feminist community cinema and offer a unique perspective on women's lives and struggles. The chapter also emphasizes the transformative power of the creative process and the importance of feminist filmmaking in challenging dominant narratives and aesthetics.
    4. Chapter 9. From the Festival-as-Event to the Festival-as-Process: A Journey Through Community Film Festivals in Colombia

      Natalia López Cerquera
      The chapter delves into the proliferation of community film festivals in Colombia, examining their role in circulating alternative audiovisual productions and strengthening local communities. It discusses the concept of community cinema, the origins and contexts of these festivals, and their unique processes that foster education and empowerment. By analyzing six prominent festivals, the study highlights the festivals' significance in promoting community-driven narratives and building networks among marginalized communities.
    5. Chapter 10. Eco-Territorial Cinema: An Intercultural, Translocal, and Expanded Community Process

      Yadis Vanessa Vanegas-Toala
      The chapter delves into the emergence of eco-territorial cinema, a form of community filmmaking that combines intercultural, translocal, and expanded community processes. It focuses on Ecuador, where diverse social actors use community cinema to defend territorial rights and environmental justice. The Etsa-Nantu/Cámara Shuar laboratory is highlighted as a key example, showcasing how indigenous and non-indigenous communities collaborate to produce films that raise awareness about ecological struggles. The chapter also discusses the broader significance of community cinema in activist communication practices, emphasizing its role in fostering political agency and self-representation. It concludes by underscoring the importance of these emerging communicational practices in the context of the eco-territorial turn.
    6. Chapter 11. Notes Toward a History of Amateur Filmmaking in Guayaquil

      Libertad Gills
      The chapter delves into the rich history of amateur filmmaking in Guayaquil, Ecuador, starting from the early works of Augusto San Miguel in the 1920s to the contemporary experimental videos of Gustavo Valle. It highlights the creative and experimental nature of amateur films, which have often been overshadowed by the country's professional and industrial cinema. The narrative focuses on the lives and works of key figures such as Eduardo Solá Franco and Joseph Morder, connecting their stories to broader themes of art, culture, and politics. The chapter argues that amateur filmmaking in Guayaquil deserves recognition as an integral part of Ecuadorian cinema history, offering a fresh perspective on the country's film heritage.
    7. Chapter 12. Ay De Mí Que Ardiendo,…¡Puedo! An Extensive Note on María Galindo’s Bastard Cinema

      Viola Varotto
      This chapter delves into the extensive audiovisual work of María Galindo, a Bolivian artist and activist known for her 'bastard cinema' approach. It explores her films and performances, which often involve street interventions and challenge traditional cinematic norms. Galindo's work is deeply rooted in political activism, particularly her involvement with the anarcho-feminist movement Mujeres Creando. The chapter discusses her films' themes, such as women's rights, sexuality, and political power, and their impact on Bolivian society. It also highlights Galindo's use of unconventional filmmaking techniques and her refusal to conform to traditional cinematic structures. The chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of Galindo's unique artistic style and its significance in the context of Bolivian politics and art.
  5. Guerrilla, Regional and Peripheral Cinema

    1. Frontmatter

    2. Chapter 13. Rethinking Subaltern “Modernities:” El Cine Chonero Popular, 1994–2015

      Noah Zweig
      The chapter delves into the history and significance of Chonewood, an ultra-low-budget film sector in Chone, Ecuador, that has gained immense local popularity. It explores how Chonewood films, such as El destructor invisible, Sicarios manabitas, and Los raidistas, mediate 'radical' and 'pirate' modernities through their unique narratives and production methods. The chapter also discusses the theoretical framework and historical context that underpin Chonewood's emergence and its impact on Ecuadorian cinema and society.
    3. Chapter 14. Peruvian Regional Cinema

      Emilio Bustamante, Jaime Luna-Victoria
      The chapter delves into the history and significance of Peruvian regional cinema, beginning with the award-winning film Wiñaypacha. It examines the factors that led to the emergence of this cinema movement, such as technological advancements and the need for cultural expression. The profiles of regional filmmakers are explored, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and approaches to filmmaking. The production, distribution, and exhibition challenges faced by these filmmakers are discussed, along with the unique genres and narrative styles they employ. The chapter also assesses the support provided by the Peruvian state and the future prospects of this cinema movement.
    4. Chapter 15. Minor Cinemas, Major Issues: Horror Films and the Traces of the Internal Armed Conflict in Peru

      Diana Cuéllar Ledesma
      The chapter examines the rise of regional cinema in Peru, particularly focusing on the horror genre in the Ayacucho region. It discusses how these films, produced and disseminated through alternative circuits, reflect the social and political tensions arising from the internal armed conflict that took place in the 1980s and 1990s. The text explores the use of local legends and oral traditions in these films, highlighting the role of orality in cultural resistance and the symbolic management of trauma. Additionally, it analyzes the impact of global influences like Hollywood and Bollywood on the regional cinema, creating a unique blend of local and international cultural elements. The chapter also discusses the significance of these films in the context of academic globalization and the epistemic relevance of orality in the production of collective memory.
    5. Chapter 16. Colombian Popular Cinemas: Expressions from and About Violence

      Luisa González
      This chapter delves into the emergence and characteristics of Colombian popular cinema, focusing on four films that were sold on the streets of Santiago de Cali in 2016. It explores how the democratization of film production technology has enabled marginalized communities to create and distribute their own films, reflecting their experiences and concerns, particularly around violence. The analysis situates these films within the broader context of Latin American cinema, examining their production contexts, historical significance, and the complex interplay between local and global influences. The chapter also discusses the challenges faced by these filmmakers in terms of distribution and reception, and the importance of supporting this vital cultural sector. By providing a nuanced understanding of these films and their creators, the chapter offers a unique perspective on the plurality and diversity of Colombian cinema.
    6. Chapter 17. Images of Difference in Bolivian Cinema

      Sergio Zapata
      This chapter delves into the transformative changes in Bolivian cinema during the twenty-first century, focusing on two films, 'Linchamiento' and 'La chola condenada por su manta de vicuña'. It explores the shift in production modes, distribution strategies, and the representation of ethnic-cultural differences. The analysis reveals how these films challenge conventional Bolivian cinema by offering alternative narratives and visual representations. The chapter also examines the political and social context of Bolivia, including the rise of the MAS party and the implementation of plurinationality, and how these changes have influenced the cinematic landscape. The films are analyzed for their unique storytelling techniques and their impact on the broader cultural field, inviting readers to rethink the notion of Bolivian cinema and its relationship to national identity and plurinationality.
  6. Backmatter

Title
Small Cinemas of the Andes
Editors
Diana Coryat
Christian León
Noah Zweig
Copyright Year
2023
Electronic ISBN
978-3-031-32018-7
Print ISBN
978-3-031-32017-0
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-32018-7

PDF files of this book don't fully comply with PDF/UA standards, but do feature limited screen reader support, bookmarks for easy navigation and searchable, selectable text. Users of assistive technologies may experience difficulty navigating or interpreting content in these documents. We recognize the importance of accessibility, and we welcome queries about accessibility for any of our products. If you have a question or an access need, please get in touch with us at accessibilitysupport@springernature.com