Guatemalan Filmmaker Jayro Bustamante Talks New Projects at IFF Panama, Unveils ‘Mountains of Fire’ and Upcoming Comedy
Acclaimed Guatemalan filmmaker Jayro Bustamante made waves at the Panama International Film Festival (IFF Panama) unveiling his latest film “Mountains of Fire” and discussing his first comedy adaptation, as he shares insights on indigenous rights, social justice, and human emotion through film.
Lead: At the Panama International Film Festival, celebrated Guatemalan director Jayro Bustamante not only showcased his new film “Mountains of Fire” but also conducted a masterclass where he discussed themes of social awareness, indigenous rights, and the evolving landscape of romantic comedy. With a rich background in tackling pressing social issues through cinema, Bustamante’s latest projects promise to not only entertain but also provoke thoughtful discussions and highlight underrepresented voices.
Spotlight on ‘Mountains of Fire’
– **A Glimpse Into the Film**: “Mountains of Fire” delves into the world of volcanology amidst a rich tapestry of indigenous narratives. The film brings together the talents of Maria Mercedes Coroy and Tatiana Palomo as they portray two volcanologists engaging with indigenous communities.
– **Underlying Message**: At its core, the film goes beyond a mere natural disaster narrative. Bustamante emphasizes the systemic issues affecting indigenous populations, revealing corruption and governmental negligence that often overshadow these communities during crises.
Connecting Cinema and Social Issues
Bustamante reflects on the real-life implications of volcanic activity in Guatemala, noting that a recent eruption in 2019 tragically buried three indigenous communities under lava. He articulates, “It was described as a natural phenomenon but for people to die is a social catastrophe. These people had already been displaced and sent to live in these dangerous areas, so we’re talking about a case of ethnic, racial, and social discrimination.” This stark reflection underlines the critical lens through which Bustamante views both his art and the world.
Empowering Communities Through Film
– **Academia Ixcanul**: To facilitate the film’s production, Bustamante established Academia Ixcanul, an itinerant acting school meant to train local talent. Since 2012, he has educated over 1,500 Guatemalan actors, fostering grassroots artistic expression.
– **Inclusive Casting Approach**: Bustamante notes the involvement of multiple generations from indigenous communities in Guatemala, providing acting lessons to families. “We got the two indigenous communities involved, the Cakchiquel and Tzutujil, and gave acting lessons to entire families, from children to parents and grandparents,” he explained.
– **Action-Ready Performers**: Recognizing the film’s need for intense action sequences, Bustamante also provided stunt acting lessons, enhancing the authenticity of performances and instilling confidence among the local actors.
100% Guatemalan Production
The film proudly boasts a domestic production, with Bustamante stating, “We want to prove that we’re capable of making 100% Guatemalan films, with no outside backing at all.” His previous works have increasingly incorporated Guatemalan talent, culminating in a 90% local composition for “Rita” and now a full 100% for “Mountains of Fire.”
Strategic Distribution Plans
– **Targeting Streaming Platforms**: Bustamante aims to bypass traditional festival circuits and theatrical releases, opting for a direct-to-streaming strategy in light of the limited access to cinemas in Guatemala—only 9% of the population has access to one. He states, “If the phone is what will allow people to see content that will make them reflect, then I’ll set aside my filmmaker’s ego.”
Embarking on a New Comedy Journey
In addition to “Mountains of Fire,” Bustamante is diving into comedy with a new adaptation of the Spanish film “Nada en la nevera,” or “Nothing in the Fridge.” Renowned producer Cynthia Wiesner, based in Puerto Rico, is leading this project.
– **A Shift to Laughter**: The original narrative revolves around Carlota, a romantic ambulance driver in Madrid. Bustamante plans to recontextualize the story within a Latin American framework, likely set in Mexico.
– **Exploring Emotional Relationships**: Bustamante reflects on the project’s exploration of love and connection in contemporary life. “What’s truly fascinating about the project is how humanity has yet to make a meaningful shift in understanding emotional relationships and forming genuine connections,” he notes.
Balancing Self-Love and Relationships
His comedic approach not only targets romantic love but also probes into self-love and how it interacts with the quest for meaningful connections. Bustamante states, “We create new systems – it’s not polyamory, but a mix of self-love, independence, and, deep down, a constant search for someone to help us understand ourselves better.”
– **The Role of Humor**: “Laughter is a very beautiful way to touch on these deep topics… I don’t have an answer for how to create a perfect relationship, but the best thing is to laugh a little at what we do,” he adds, highlighting the therapeutic potential of comedy.
Conclusion
As Bustamante garners acclaim for his bold storytelling and commitment to social justice, both “Mountains of Fire” and his upcoming comedy promise to bridge the gap between entertainment and education. Through his visionary work, Bustamante continues to uplift marginalized voices within cinema, highlighting urgent issues while inviting audiences to reflect and connect on a deeper level.
Keywords: Jayro Bustamante, Mountains of Fire, IFF Panama, Guatemalan filmmaker, indigenous rights, social justice, comedy adaptation, Nada en la nevera, Academia Ixcanul, streaming platforms.
Hashtags: #JayroBustamante #MountainsOfFire #IFFPanama #GuatemalanCinema #SocialJustice #ComedyFilm #IndigenousRights #FilmFestival #HumanConnection
Source link
