Cochochi

Israel Cárdenas, Laura Amelia Guzmán
Mexico-UK-Canada
2007

I’m going to bet my sheep. For these two, to see who wins.

87", 35mm
Color, Tarahumara with Spanish subtitles

about the film

Set in the Sierra Tarahumara of northwest Mexico, Cochochi recounts the tale of two Raramuri boys and their efforts to find a lost horse. Brothers Evaristo and Tony have just graduated from the elementary school where they have been boarding. Evaristo enjoyed his studies and wants to continue learning Spanish while Tony prefers the traditional ways of his culture and would rather return home to work on the ranch where the boys grew up. When they get home, their grandfather asks them to take medicine to a community in the Sierra. Tony takes his grandfather’s horse without asking for permission, which makes Evaristo uncomfortable. As they find themselves unable to cross a canyon, brainstorming about how to get to their destination, a moment’s lack of attention causes them to lose the horse and each other. The camera follows the two kids as they make their separate journeys through the untouched landscapes of Northwest Mexico. First-time directors Cardenas and Guzman paint a subtle picture of the region’s indigenous people and their way of life. Their portrayal is so delicate and non-invasive, it almost feels like a register of real moments in the lives of the boys and the people they encounter. As for the two boys, they will capture your heart.

about the director

Israel Cárdenas was born in Monterrey in 1980 and studied communications. He founded Blueberry Films in 2001, and has since produced music videos, commercials and short films. Cochochi is his directorial debut.

Laura Amelia Guzmán was born in Santo Domingo in 1980, and attended the International Film and Television School in Cuba. She was a cinematographer for several short films. Cochochi is the first film she has directed.

awards

2007 Gijon: FIPRESCI Award
Toronto Film Festival: Diesel Discovery Award
Venice Film Festival

screenings

February 15 Friday, 7:00 PM AFM Fitaş Beyoğlu 2

February 18 Monday, 3:00 PM AFM Fitaş Beyoğlu 2

credits

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