As a lifelong fan of Colombian music and cinema, I couldn’t be more thrilled about Juanes making his big screen debut in “Pimpinero: Blood and Oil.” Having grown up listening to Juanes’ powerful ballads, it’s surreal to see him taking on such an intense role in this gritty drama.
In simpler terms, Juanes, the winner of 26 Grammys and three Grammy awards, is making his acting debut in the Prime Video drama “Blood and Oil,” which premieres exclusively at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
Characters like Juanes, Alberto Guerra (known as Griselda, Narcos: Mexico), Alejandro Speitzer (The Head of Joaquin Murrieta) and Laura Osma (Goles against) are prominently featured in a gripping fact-based drama series that unfolds along the border shared by Colombia and Venezuela
Accompanied by a thundering soundtrack, the trailer swiftly presents intense, fleeting glimpses. The tale, jointly scripted by Baiz and Maria Camila Arias (“Birds of Passage”), unfolds in the merciless desert that lies between two countries. It’s a region where gasoline smugglers, known as “pimpineros,” bravely transport illegal fuel across the border, putting their lives on the line. Juan, the youngest of three brothers heavily engaged in this perilous trade, is forced to work for a sinister adversary. This decision exposes the ominous and deadly aspects of the business, leading to catastrophic results. Inspired by a desire to uncover the dark truths concealed within this lawless territory, Juan’s girlfriend, Diana, embarks on a resolute journey to seek the truth
The TV series is created by Andrés Calderón, who is both CEO and one of the founders of Dynamo – a prominent production company in Latin America. Notable projects under their belt are “Narcos,” “The Legend of Zorro” (Joaquín Murrieta’s Head), “American Made,” featuring Tom Cruise, and the eagerly awaited adaptation of “100 Years of Solitude.”
In an engaging conversation at EbMaster, Baia shared insights on casting Juanes and the production of the film
Why did you decide to feature Juanes significantly in the film, and could you share some insights about collaborating with him as an actor?
In my search for an unconventional, vibrant, and daring cast, Juanes popped up as an inspiring choice. I extended the invitation to him, highlighting his captivating stage persona. To my delight, he embraced the opportunity to act for the first time with utmost dedication. I recognized the importance of having seasoned actors around Juanes to boost his morale and comfort on set. The connection between Juanes and Alberto Guerra, Alejandro Speitzer, and Laura Osma proved to be profound and cooperative. Moreover, Juanes is a remarkable individual, known for his generosity and kindness
It appears that filming this movie took place predominantly within a desert environment. Can you share some of the difficulties or obstacles encountered during production?
For nearly two months, we filmed in the harsh, isolated deserts of La Guajira, battling copious amounts of dust and intense sun. Coordinating transportation, accommodations, meals, and hydration for such a large crew was incredibly difficult and intricate, especially considering the unstable and underdeveloped nature of the region. To complicate matters further, we had to handle numerous on-screen vehicles integral to the storyline. Additionally, the art department faced an enormous task in transforming the barren desert landscapes: 90% of our sets were either entirely constructed or significantly modified, resulting in a truly remarkable final product
You directed several episodes of “Narcos”. What did you learn from that experience?
For seven years, I served as both director and creative producer on ‘Narcos’ and its spin-off ‘Narcos: Mexico’. This role allowed me to work alongside some of the most gifted and rigorous individuals in the Spanish-speaking film industry, whether they were performing on screen or behind it. The education I received was immense as those with such extensive knowledge demand excellence, and one must always be vigilant. My journey here is a mix of small successes and significant setbacks, but it is precisely these experiences that contribute to my growth as a director
What inspired you to write about this particular phenomenon at the Colombia-Venezuela border?
In 2014, when I was directing the first season of ‘Narcos’ in Palomino, Colombia, I encountered something extraordinary – a “death caravan”: brave drivers risking their lives to transport illegal gasoline from Venezuela. The striking sight of a long convoy of Renault 18s filled with fuel containers racing along the highway left an indelible impression on me and served as the foundation for this movie. Collaborating with Maria Camila Arias, we penned a script that explores the more intricate and emotional dimensions of the tumultuous border events
Are you anticipating that this movie could raise awareness about this topic and possibly influence border control measures?
In a more casual and engaging tone:
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2024-09-05 19:18