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03/05/2025

A Celebration is Born - April Will Be the Month of Colombian Cinema


By Sandra M. Ríos U

X: @sandritamrios

April will be the Month of Colombian Cinema. | A new initiative is emerging in the country, aiming to connect audiences with local productions and their talents, uncover their stories, and showcase the wide range of themes and styles that make up this cinematography.

The Month of Colombian Cinema is a strategy led by the distributor TheGSeven and will have a comprehensive space at the 64th edition of FICCI (Cartagena International Film Festival), where it will be officially launched. The event is supported by Proimágenes and the Colombian Film Academy, in addition to the participation of the country’s exhibitors and distributors.

A whole month to enjoy Colombian cinema in theaters? Yes, that’s right. It’s been 20 years since the Film Law was enacted, establishing a solid foundation that has enabled constant production today, promoted emerging directors, encouraged diverse narratives, and strengthened the cinematic ecosystem.

Producing high-quality films is no longer an issue; the critical challenge has been, and continues to be, exhibition and reaching the widest possible audience. There aren’t enough screening spaces, and the ones available are often occupied by blockbusters and other international releases. The time national productions spend in theaters is too short, making it difficult for the general public to even realize a Colombian film is available. Another factor preventing audiences from discovering Colombian titles in theaters is the limited budgets, which don’t allow for substantial marketing efforts. That’s why a full month dedicated to Colombian cinema provides an ideal showcase, as well as a unique and well-deserved space for the many filmmakers betting on this industry.

Behind this celebration—because that’s how it’s intended to be seen—is Guillermo Blanco and the distribution company he leads, TheGSeven. Blanco is a well-known Peruvian actor and filmmaker who, after participating in several successful Colombian series (El General Naranjo, La Reina del Flow, El Laberinto de Alicia), decided to channel his experience into film production and distribution, leading him to dream up this ambitious initiative that has already managed to involve other distributors and exhibitors.

We spoke with him at CineVista to learn the details of this strategy:

What does the initiative entail?

During the month of April, audiences will be able to enjoy a special selection of Colombian films in commercial theaters nationwide. This will include titles released in the past—such as modern classics of local cinema—and other productions premiering for the first time as part of this celebration. It will be a month for audiences to reconnect with their cinema and discover stories that reflect their identity and diversity.

We want this to be a meeting point between the public and the creators, strengthening the bond between those who make films and those who enjoy them.

How did the idea come about?

It emerged as a profound gesture of gratitude to Colombia, a country that has given me everything. Although I was born in Peru, my path in art and the audiovisual industry truly took shape in Colombia. Here, I found a home, a space to grow, and a community that believed in me from my early days as an actor. It was the stages, the TV sets, and the first opportunities in front of the camera that allowed me to connect with audiences and understand the power of a well-told story. Over time, that passion for portraying characters transformed into something bigger: a need to be behind the camera, to create, to produce, and to bring to life stories that leave a mark. Colombia not only gave me the tools to evolve but also allowed me to explore and solidify my voice as a filmmaker. That’s why this project is more than an initiative; it’s a tribute to the country that made me who I am today.

You were in charge of distributing Estimados Señores. What needs have you identified in the sector that led you to implement this strategy?

There’s a need—and a desire—to recognize and amplify the voices of Colombian creators. The Month of Colombian Cinema was born to strengthen the connection between audiences and their cinema, to celebrate the creativity of filmmakers, and to ensure every story finds the place it deserves. It’s an invitation to look inward, to see oneself on the screen, and to feel pride in the country’s cinematic richness. It’s also a message to filmmakers: your work matters, it transcends, and it leaves a mark on the souls of those who see it.

National cinema, more than ever, needs to be celebrated, rediscovered, and embraced by its own audience. I’ve always believed that cinema isn’t just entertainment—it’s memory, identity, and emotion. Colombian cinema has built a visual and narrative universe so powerful that it deserves its own space in people’s hearts.

The Month of Colombian Cinema is a grand celebration that seeks to bring audiences closer to the richness of national cinema.

How was the selection of titles made?

The selection of titles is the heart of this celebration. It has been curated to represent the diversity and richness of Colombian cinema, from recent films that have made an international impact to classics that have shaped generations. There’s room for all genres: drama, horror, suspense, and a grand musical, because Colombian cinema isn’t just one style—it’s a universe of unique voices.

In addition to a retrospective of great titles, this initiative will also serve as the launch platform for four new Colombian films, giving them a privileged window to connect with audiences. We want people not only to rediscover the films that have paved the way for Colombian cinema but also to get to know the new works that are shaping its present and future.

Beyond screenings, the Month of Colombian Cinema aims to spark conversation through special activities, screenings with filmmakers present, and dialogue spaces.

Which distributors and exhibitors will participate, and how?

The films of the Month of Colombian Cinema are distributed by TheGSeven, the company I lead, which seeks to bring national cinema to more theaters in a strategic and industry-respectful way. In this first year, exhibitors (both cinema chains and independent theaters) have shown great interest in the initiative. However, rather than imposing a fixed number of screens, we’ve allowed each exhibitor to naturally decide how many screenings and screens to allocate to each film. This means that, as a viewer, you’ll be able to see the films in theaters just like any other release. Each theater will assess its programming a week before the launch and determine how many screens to assign based on audience demand. This way, Colombian cinema will organically integrate into the commercial offerings, ensuring the films reach the theaters where there’s real interest in watching them.

The Cartagena Film Festival will be a key space for this celebration. How will it be integrated?

FICCI will be the starting point of the Month of Colombian Cinema, kicking off this grand celebration with a series of events designed to highlight and strengthen national cinema. We’ll host the premiere of one of our new films, a special occasion that will not only showcase current Colombian talent but also serve as a meeting point for filmmakers, distributors, and the public.

As part of this opening, we’ll pay a grand tribute to one of our leading actresses, recognizing her career and contributions to Colombian cinema. Additionally, director Franco Lolli will join us to present a special screening of Gente de Bien, adding his voice and experience to this celebration.

To amplify the initiative’s impact, from April 1 to 6, we’ll have an official headquarters for the Month of Colombian Cinema at the Casa del Gobernador Hotel in Cartagena. This will be a space dedicated exclusively to the films launching during the month, featuring activities like talks, filmmaker meet-and-greets, and special cocktails. We want FICCI to be not only the stage where this initiative begins but also a place for dialogue about the present and future of Colombian cinema. Every activity is designed to ignite enthusiasm among the public and the industry, sparking conversations that drive the growth of cinema in the country.

Colombian Films Premiering Nationally

Colombian Films Being Re-Released

Image Credit: TheGSeven



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