With "La Suprema," Colombian cinema will participate in TIFF 23

For now, "La Suprema" will be the representation of Colombian cinema at the 2023 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

It is a fiction film that will have its world premiere in the Discovery section.

"La Suprema" is set in a remote village without electricity, where a determined teenager named Laureana convinces all its inhabitants to acquire a communal television to watch her uncle compete in a world boxing championship, while she aspires to become a great boxer herself.

The feature film, written as a drama and comedy, showcases the idiosyncrasies of the Colombian Caribbean and reflects the reality of a region that has learned to live with dignity amidst enormous difficulties and neglect from the government. Undoubtedly, this is a story with noble intentions that seeks to exalt a community and connect with the audience. Director Felipe Holguin Caro stated, "La Suprema reflects the reality of many towns living in precarious situations but not staying in tragedy; instead, they live their reality with hope and resilience. These towns are not only in Colombia but throughout Latin America and much of the world," after the festival announcement.

The director is a writer and filmmaker known for short films like "La Suerte del Salao," which follows a similar line to his debut film, portraying a humble town where communal work helps overcome obstacles. In this case, the story revolves around an elderly man, Pellito, who, abandoned by his wife and without a job or money, receives a lottery ticket for some home appliances from his mother. Pellito wins the lottery, and the town organizes a celebration to mark what would be a life-changing event for him, reminding him that no one can escape fate and death. Holguin has also directed documentary shorts like "La Cachera."

The filming of the movie took place last year, over 24 days, in La Suprema, one of the ten villages in the Maríalabaja district, north of Bolívar, which has struggled with a lack of access to clean water while oil palms flourish in its surroundings.

Starting from August 15th, the Toronto International Film Festival will announce the showtimes for this production. The event will take place from September 7th to 17th. "La Suprema" will have the opportunity not only to highlight a local story but also to compete for the People's Choice Award and the Platform Prize Award.

The film will be released in theaters in 2024.

Images: TIFF Press. Director's statement: Film Press.

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