Bursting through the often formulaic nature of contemporary cinema, Retablo shines a light on an underrepresented culture with a potency that feels fresh and vital. Directed by Álvaro Delgado-Aparicio, this Peruvian drama, which made its debut at the 2017 Lima Film Festival, takes viewers into the scenic yet harsh highlands of Peru, a place rarely showcased in film. This collaboration between Delgado-Aparicio and screenwriter Héctor Gálvez doesn't just skillfully stitch together the narrative fabric; it infuses it with an emotional resonance that is as tender as it is raw. In doing so, it provides a rare focus on Peru's rural life while boldly confronting the tension between tradition and modernity.
In a world desperate for diverse storytelling, this film represents a sincere attempt to give voice to a community often overlooked. The narrative centers on Segundo, a 14-year-old boy who is learning the craft of retablo making from his father, Noé. Retablos are intricate altarpieces, a beautiful tradition steeped in religious and cultural significance. Set in the remote Andean landscape, the movie unfolds in the native Quechua language, pulling its audience into an authentic storytelling experience that avoids the stereotypes sometimes present in mainstream films.
While the world spins on, leaving not-so-distant rural communities tucked in time, Retablo provides an authentic narrative of an encounter with unexpected truths and challenging traditions. The plot takes a dramatic turn when Segundo accidentally discovers a secret about his father. This revelation becomes the film's centerpiece, a catalyst for the central conflict. It tests the familial bond while shedding light on societal attitudes towards masculinity and sexuality.
What makes Retablo stand out is its silence. It relies more heavily on visual storytelling than dialogue, allowing the dramatic Andean landscapes and carefully composed shots to breathe life into the film. The director's framing of scenes is immaculate, with each image framed as meticulously as the retablos that Noé crafts. This cinematic choice challenges viewers to interpret the meta-narrative themes thoughtfully woven through every scene.
The film's exploration of identity extends beyond the personal into a broader cultural context. The clash between deeply ingrained customs and the courage to embrace one's true self resonate beyond the screen, sparking reflection on the intricate dance between self-acceptance and cultural expectation. This is the kind of storytelling that fosters empathy and understanding across cultural barriers.
While the film has garnered immense praise and numerous awards worldwide, it also invites a deeper conversation about cultural authenticity versus appropriation. Liberally speaking, this is vital in ensuring that diverse stories are told with the same vitality and authenticity as mainstream narratives. The film industry often stands accused of whitewashing or misrepresenting non-Western cultures. However, Retablo offers a counterpoint, with its genuine representation crafted by those who intimately know the culture it portrays.
Yet, it would be naive not to acknowledge the hesitations some might feel about its themes. While celebrated in several circles for its boldness, others may find discomfort in its candid portrayals of taboo subjects. This is where friction often brews: the tension between conservative cultural norms and liberal artistic expression. Knowing there's still resistance to these conversations in some quarters serves as a reminder of the power that art wields, a gentle but constant push against the boundaries of acceptability.
Critics have showered Retablo with accolades that align closely with cultural discourse, recognizing it as a significant entry into world cinema that addresses universal themes through localized storytelling. Its success across international festivals challenges the notion that stories steeped in specific cultural contexts can’t resonate universally. That’s precisely where cinema finds its strength—not in diluting its stories for mass appeal but in amplifying unique voices that echo globally.
This film is a testament to the power of visual storytelling and its ability to communicate complex emotions and themes without the crutch of expository dialogue. Retablo eschews simplistic narratives in favor of crafting a world that is richly layered, drawn from the honesty of personal experience. While it is a personal story situated in a specific locale, its thematic undercurrents are universal, deepening the connection between viewer and narrative.
For those seeking cinema that challenges more than it placates, Retablo is a salient example of storytelling that dares to be both specific and expansive. It draws on the rich tapestry of Peruvian culture, using it as both a backdrop and a center stage to champion narratives that defy silence. This vibrant offering beckons more creators to tell their stories unapologetically, enriching our cultural landscape with the complexity and tenderness it desperately needs.