Pepe by Dominican director Nelson Carlos de los Santos Arias is an insane and extreme work. A feature film based on real events, with essayistic passages and animated sequences that turn into an impressive examination of the aftermath of colonialism. The film tells the unusual and fascinating story of Pepe, a hippopotamus brought to Colombia in the 1970s by the notorious drug baron Pablo Escobar. What began as an exotic status symbol soon developed into an ecological problem, which led to the government-ordered killing of the animal in 2007. This serves as the starting point for a profound reflection on the exploitation of nature and culture. The film departs from a traditional narrative style, weaving together multiple storylines: Angel and Cocorico, two former henchmen of Escobar, are tasked with transporting Pepe. Meanwhile, the relationship of a local couple begins to unravel under the strain the invasive animal imposes on their surroundings and their lives. Pepe himself serves as the narrator, his deep, distorted voice shifting enchantingly between languages and perspectives, offering insights into colonial wounds worsened by economic exploitation. Director skillfully addresses complex themes like eco-capitalism and European arrogance with creative flair. Pepe becomes a vivid visual journey that merges cinematic techniques with indigenous storytelling traditions. At the Berlinale, Pepe was honored with the Silver Bear for Best Director.
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Director: Nelson Carlos De Los Santos Arias Screenplay: Nelson Carlos De Los Santos Arias Length: 122 min. Language: Spanish OF / German UT Country of production: Dominican Republic, Namibia, Germany, France Production: Pablo Lozano, Tanya Valette, Nelson C.D.L. Santos Arias, 4 A 4 Productions, Pandora Film Cast: Jhon Narváez, Sor MarÃa RÃos, Fareed Matjila, Harmony Ahalwa Festivals: Berlinale, Beijing, IndieLisboa, Shanghai, Sydney, Karlovy Vary, Toronto, New York, London Awards: Berlinale Best Director, Hong Kong