Selected Film
In 2013, a team of young documentary filmmakers embarked on a journey to the town of Guateque, Colombia, with the aim of capturing the dreams and fantasies of students from a local provincial school. Eleven years later, in 2024, the recovered archival footage offers a unique and revealing perspective on societal evolution and the contrasts between urban and rural life. Through intimate interviews, this documentary immerses viewers in the world of young students from that time, who shared their aspirations and visions of happiness during a period when digital technology and cell phones were only beginning to permeate society. The temporal distance allows us to reflect on how these trends have shaped today’s world, often characterized by the futility and superficiality of appearances. Amid this backdrop, the inspiring story of Michael emerges—a boy living in the countryside without modern comforts such as electricity or a shower. Despite his material limitations, Michael’s happiness shines contagiously on screen. His simple way of life, removed from technological distractions, invites us to question our own notions of happiness and to cherish simplicity. Recovering this archival material not only enables us to contrast ideas of happiness between urban and rural settings but also provides an opportunity to reflect on the impact of technology on our lives. Through the eyes of these students in Guateque in 2013, we glimpse the beginnings of a society increasingly dependent on screens and digital connectivity, and how this has shaped our present reality. This documentary is a testament to the importance of looking back and learning from our past. By recovering these voices and images, it invites us to question our priorities and aspirations. Michael’s story reminds us that true happiness does not solely depend on material possessions or technology but on our ability to appreciate genuine moments and human connections. In summary, this documentary is a journey through time and space, taking us from the classrooms of a rural school in Colombia to reflections on contemporary society. It is an invitation to value simplicity, challenge our notions of happiness, and learn from those who, like Michael, find joy in life’s most basic elements. A retrospective lens that inspires us to build a more authentic and human future.
Duration: 00:28:00
Country of Origin: Colombia
Language: Spanish
Director(s): Sebastian C. Santisteban
Writer(s): Sebastian C. Santisteban
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