VIFF 2020: Once Upon a Time in Venezuela
viff 2020While it is easy to get lost in the local major political turmoil that affects oneself, it is important to realise that, right now, the fight for democracy and freedom is happening on a global level. Cinema gives an incredible chance for these global perspectives to be shared, as is the case in Anabel Rodríguez Ríos's new documentary Once Upon A Time in Venezuela. Focusing on the small Venezuelan village of Congo Mirador and how the community is dealing with political turmoil both on a local and country wide level, the film offers this unique perspective in an engaging and touching matter that shows the true weight that elections can have on individuals without biting off more than the film could chew.
This weight is easily the most standout portion of the film's narrative. Politics often take the appearance of a game with two sides vying for control. While this is normally seen as serious, the true weight of what this can mean is often lost or straight up ignored. By allowing the community at the focus of the film to speak for themselves, Once Upon A Time in Venezuela finds a haunting view at what is at stake. Perspectives, such as teachers fighting for the education of the children they teach as well as their jobs, are painfully grounded and personal stories that not only perfectly justifies the strong emotions they have towards the election but also serves as a powerful reminder to why politics matter. Policies and bills don't just affect the numbers of a statistic or budget, those numbers are direct ties to real people with real lives and dreams, a painful realistion within the film.
Though voting might be a way to make one's voice heard on a larger scale, Once Upon A Time in Venezuela also sheds a light on the power of local politics. It is the everyday working individual that rises up to lead their communities to change, which is another thing that the film highlights wonderfully. Despite the film focusing on a generally small scale subject matter, there clearly is legitimately important and captivating depth to be found within the film that makes it relevant and engaging for all viewers, even if the specific context of the subject matter fails to be super important to the viewer.
The honesty and vulnerability of these perspectives speaks to another commendable portion of the film: how it brings the audience into the community. Both visually, with the often stunning cinematography from John Márquez, mixed with a clearly inspired effort behind the camera to find the importance nuance within the naturally functioning society, the film is incredibly effective at transporting the audience into Congo Mirador and breaking down the walls to find the truths within the society itself that normally would be hidden.
It might have its slow points and the actual specific subject material's interest will vary greatly from audience member to audience member, but overall, Once Upon A Time in Venezuela will absolutely go down as one of the most powerful and genuinely moving political documentaries of the year. This is an inspired effort that highlights a diverse perspective in a sense that is not only easily digestible but also quite moving providing a deep commentary that will stick with viewers and prove to be worth the time needed to check the film out.
