Julio Zachrisson’s Surreal, Provocative World Chronicled in ‘The Sorcerer’: ‘Art is Useless, But We Can’t Live Without It,’ Says the Artist

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Premiering at the Panama International Film Festival, “Félix ‘Trillo’ Guardia’s first full-length documentary titled “The Sorcerer: Julio Zachrisson” showcases and honors the thought-provoking career of renowned Panamanian artist Julio Zachrisson.

Made by Tomás Cortés from Cine Animal and supported by Panama’s Ministry of Culture, this film combines animation, old footage, and interviews to tell the story of Guardia’s journey inspired by his haunting yet captivating childhood memories of Zachrisson’s artwork.

When I first laid eyes on one of Zachrisson’s artworks for the first time, I thought it was the most unattractive piece I had ever come across. This artwork, adorning my grandma’s stylish living room, stood out in a way that didn’t quite fit with the rest of her decor.” Guardia recounted in his statement. “It portrayed an intense scene of a woman relieving herself onto a plate while a starving dog looked on, and I was 12 years old at the time. This image has left a lasting impression on me that I’ll never forget.

The film chronicles the path taken by Guardia from Panama to Madrid in pursuit of an artist, culminating in their friendship that is depicted within the movie. This friendship serves as a mirror for viewers, inviting them to ponder on themes such as “memory, history, identity, and art as means of connecting different generations,” as suggested in the synopsis.

As I gaze upon the screen, a quote from the artist echoes through me: “Art is pointless, yet we can’t seem to exist without it.” The clip pulses with a Clave beat as I glimpse into his art, brimming with exaggerated human figures, filled with expressionism and surrealism, yet each piece tells its own captivating story. He shares his journey, feeling like an outcast in his homeland Panama, departing in 1953 and never looking back.

Zachrisson sadly passed away in December 2021 at his residence in Madrid. His demise significantly impacted the movie’s production process, prompting us to reevaluate the storyline’s trajectory. We came to understand that it was crucial to honor his life and career, as Guardia expressed.

The character ‘The Sorcerer: Julio Zachrisson’ is a component of the extensive transmedia project, ‘The Zachrisson Legacy,’ which seeks to safeguard and elevate the artist’s influence across diverse media. This undertaking encompasses Panama’s first-ever full-length animated film, “Toro Volandero,” set for release in 2026, directed by Guardia, and delves into Zachrisson’s graphic universe. Additionally, it includes interactive museum displays and a comprehensive digital library of the artist’s works. The surge of attention towards this little-known figure in cinema is evident, with Abner Banaim (‘Plaza Catedral’) taking notice as far back as his 2016 short documentary, ‘Zachrisson.’

Guardia expresses a desire for the audience to experience the same sense of awe and bewilderment he felt upon initially discovering his work,” he states. “He aims to challenge their perspectives, encouraging them to venture past initial impressions.

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2025-04-05 15:16