Join us at the Gateway Film Center on Thurs., Aug. 19, at 7:30pm for an in-person screening of Lo más bonito y mis mejores años (2005), directed by Martín Boulocq.
Or create an account on BoliviaCine.com to stream the film there, available from 6pm on Thurs., Aug 19 until 11pm on Fri, Aug. 20.
Register here to join us for a Q&A with the director as well, on Fri., Aug. 20 at 5pm via Zoom.
Synopsis:
Berto is an introverted, lonely, young man living in a small city in Bolivia. Overwhelmed by a difficult past, Berto tries to sell his most precious belonging - an old '65 Volkswagen, which he inherited from his grandfather - in order to leave Bolivia and start a new life in Madrid. His days go by trying to sell the car as he thinks of new ways to find a buyer, cruising the city and going out with Victor, his obnoxious, sex-addicted friend, who works in the neighborhood video store. Their routine changes with the unexpected return of Camila, Victor's girlfriend, wherein Berto becomes increasingly conflicted by the feelings he has for her. Camila and Victor enter a downward spiral when Camila picks up Victor one night driving Berto's car. Victor confronts her about being seen hanging out with a wealthy guy one night in the city and an intense fight on the street separates them, forcing Camila to seek comfort in Berto as we find Victor into the old VW with a random woman one night after a run-in with Camila in a local club. With the car as a symbol of stasis, of these characters' feelings of being stuck and trapped, Berto finally frees himself and begins the arduous journey to a new life.
Watch the trailer here (explicit language and themes- viewer discretion advised).
Meet the Director:
Martín Boulocq studied film at the Jorge Sanjinés Andean School of Cinematography. His first film was screened in San Sebastián, Locarno and other festivals, receiving awards and acclaim by Bolivian critics that placed it among the 12 fundamental films of the history of Bolivia. His films have had distribution in Latin America, Europe, and North America, both in festivals and exhibitions and in theaters, TV, and streaming.
Recording of Q&A:
The Bolivian Cinema Series is organized by the Abya Yala Student Organization with support from the following OSU partners: Center for Latin American Studies, Department of Spanish & Portuguese, K'acha Willaykuna Group, Office of Diversity & Inclusion, Department of Comparative Studies, Department of Anthropology, and Department of Theatre, Film, & Media Arts.
