10 Bolivian Films You Should Watch | 10 películas bolivianas que usted debería ver

By Unitel, Eju.tv:

10 Bolivian Films Every Bolivian Should Watch

Through the screen, Bolivia has told its story, portrayed its sorrows, and highlighted the richness of its culture.

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Image from The Day Silence Died

Bolivian cinema has produced true gems that deserve to be seen, discussed, and celebrated. In this Bicentennial of Bolivia, we recommend ten films every Bolivian should watch:

1. Yawar Mallku (1969) – Jorge Sanjinés

One of the most iconic films in Bolivian cinema. It denounces the forced sterilization of Indigenous women. Raw and essential.

YAWAR MALLKU (1969) de Jorge Sanjinés en Cinéclubcito

2. Mi socio (1983)- Paolo Agazzi

A truck driver and a shoeshine boy travel across Bolivia for five days. A journey that reveals diversity, cultural clashes, and the things that truly unite us.

Trailer Mi Socio

3. La nación clandestina (1989) – Jorge Sanjinés

Winner of the Golden Columbus in Huelva, it’s a profound reflection on identity, language, and resistance. A masterpiece.

LA NACIÓN CLANDESTINA (1989) de Jorge Sanjinés en Cinéclubcito

4. Cuestión de fe (1995) – Marcos Loayza

A sharp comedy about three friends trying to sell a religious statue. A brilliant social satire.

CUESTION DE FE - Pelicula Boliviana Top 3

5. El día que murió el silencio (1998) – Paolo Agazzi

A modern classic. A man arrives in a town with a megaphone, and everything changes. Humor, love, and social critique.

El día que murió el silencio (1998) - Trailer

6. Los Andes no creen en Dios (2007) – Antonio Eguino

Set during the era of the miners’ revolution, this film is intense and symbolic. Based on the novel by Adolfo Costa du Rels.

Los andes no creen en Dios - Trailer

7. Zona Sur (2009) – Juan Carlos Valdivia

Reflects the class conflict in La Paz through a decaying family. Carefully crafted aesthetics and provocative storytelling.

Zona Sur - Trailer

8. Quién mató a la llamita blanca (2006) – Rodrigo Bellott

A satire blending drug trafficking, cumbia, pop culture, and social commentary. Equally fun and biting.

Trailer ¿Quién mató a la llamita blanca?

9. Viejo calavera (2016) – Kiro Russo

Raw, dark, and poetic. An unfiltered look at the lives of Bolivian miners, with a unique visual style.

Viejo Calavera - Trailer Oficial

10. Utama (2022) – Alejandro Loayza Grisi

Winner at Sundance and perhaps the Bolivian film closest to an Oscar nomination. An intimate story about climate change, love, and displacement.

Utama - Trailer oficial

What other films would you add to the list? Share your thoughts in the comments on this story’s Facebook post.

by Hortencia Rivera

Bolivian Thoughts opinion: Chuquiago is a fascinating movie from the 70s, depicts all social classes, which in someway still portraits life in Bolivia this century. Use this link to watch the movie.

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