As a cinephile who has spent years traversing the globe in search of stories that resonate deeply, I must say that “La Suprema” is a film that leaves an indelible mark. Having visited countless small towns and communities around the world, I can truly appreciate Holguín Caro’s ability to capture the essence of La Suprema – a place uncharted on most maps but vibrant with life and spirit.

Felipe Holguín Caro’s ‘La Suprema’ explores questions about places unmarked on maps and people unrecognized in society, within an intimate story set in a secluded Caribbean town in Colombia. This town, ‘La Suprema’, is not found on any map, mirroring the feelings of its Afro-Colombian residents who often feel ignored. Despite its small scale, this rich drama revolving around a boxing match packs a powerful punch. It offers a compelling depiction of a community yearning for recognition and, more fundamentally, for the respect they’ve been denied for so long.

In the small town of La Suprema, Anastasio Páez, a rising boxer with global acclaim, is a well-known figure. His admirer from afar is his niece, Laureana (also known as Elizabeth Martínez). After years of absence, Anastasio’s exceptional boxing skills continue to influence Laureana, who secretly practices her left hook and stance in her room, with pictures of her uncle adorning her mirror. When Anastasio is scheduled for a world boxing championship match, Laureana becomes determined to arrange a live broadcast of the event for the entire town, so they too can share in his triumph.

In the heart of La Suprema, a dusty town where televisions are scarce and electricity is merely a dream, I find myself surrounded by families who seem more resigned to being overlooked than eagerly engaging with the world beyond their borders. However, an upcoming event has sparked a sense of urgency – a match that’s about to air in just a few days. The task at hand is daunting: we need electricity and a way to view this spectacle, or else we risk missing out on a moment that could finally place us on the global map. It’s a challenge that calls for unity among our townsfolk, but the grumbles about our circumstances threaten to derail our dream of witnessing this potential glory.

Instead of simply presenting a charming take on small-town dramas where communal efforts culminate in a joyful climax, as another film might do focusing solely on Laureana’s boxing dreams, “La Suprema” uses the boxing match as a foundation for a more expansive narrative. This broader story explores the risks and rewards associated with achieving success.

In the small town, the women are working hard to gather funds for a discounted TV available in Cartagena, which brings up various personal and cultural challenges along the way. For instance, Laureana faces tension with her grandmother over her preference for masculine attire, as she dislikes dresses and often gets reprimanded for appearing too tomboyish. Additionally, there’s a strained relationship between Anastasio and his former coach, Efraín (Antonio Jimenez), who refuses to watch Anastasio’s upcoming performance due to personal reasons. Lastly, the pressing issue is the poverty and neglect experienced by La Suprema, which stems from political decisions that overlook investment in this Afro-Colombian community.

The script by Holguín Caro and Andy Sierra skillfully navigates multiple storylines. Generally, it does so with elegance, but at times, the movie “La Suprema” seems to be balancing too many contrasting moods, making some transitions feel jarring. For instance, scenes featuring two teenagers repairing a generator and later stealing power from a neighbor might appear overly dramatic, while heartfelt conversations between Efraín and Laureana could seem like they were lifted from a completely different movie.

However, when “La Suprema” delves into scenes that focus on the verdant scenery of the town, the movie truly blossoms. Mauricio Vidal skillfully showcases the breathtaking natural wonders of the Caribbean, meticulously framing shots that reflect the environment’s significant role as a co-star. Similarly, there’s an undeniable beauty and strength in images of women singing and washing clothes near a water source, embodying a sense of peace with their identity and possessions. After all, even if a child from this place has become a TV star for global audiences, it doesn’t diminish the charm of the town or its inhabitants.

The Afro-Colombian community, as depicted in the film, is frequently overlooked or even omitted from both historical records and geographical maps. Sports are typically one of the rare arenas where their accomplishments are honored. It’s fitting, then, that Holguín Caro uses a triumphant sports moment to explore the neglected experiences of individuals like Laureana and Efraín in their daily lives. The film cleverly subverts the uplifting genre it emulates with its powerful closing scenes, serving as a poignant examination of the dignity of the people portrayed. In essence, Colombia’s Oscar submission is a captivating exploration of the Afro-Colombian community.

Read More

2024-12-21 12:16