Bolivia

Running time: N/A

United States Premiere Recently, some of the world's most interesting films have come from economically troubled Argentina. One of the very best yet is Bolivia, winner of several international prizes, including the FIPRESCI (International Film Critics' Federation) Award at the London International Film Festival. Director Israel Adri�n Caetano's film is "harrowing, hard-hitting, and highly involving on both emotional and intellectual levels." The story is simplicity itself: Freddy has left Bolivia and come to Argentina, looking for work. Without legal papers, the only job he finds is in a small cafŽ-bar for free food and 15 pesos a day. The film is shot in close-up grainy black and white and, thanks to a truly magnificent, naturalistic script, has the feel of both a fine play and, paradoxically, real-life. We feel as much participants as observers. The interactions between Freddy, his co-workers and the regular clientele unfold into a low key but deeply humane drama, in which prejudice and discrimination are commonplace, and rare glimpses of warmth all the more precious because of this. Freddie Flores gives a compelling and dignified lead performance, eliciting our sympathy and respect as the heart of this quietly devastating film. (Quote taken from London IFF film guide.) Reviewed by Charlie Cockey