El Verano de los Peces Voladores

As with the mist seeping through and covering the forest of Southern Chile, it is not easy for any of the characters in this film – or for the film audience - to see clearly into anything. There are so many contradictions. Everyone is at odds with each other, and yet also friends. Rich Chileans are, even as they add their wealth and support to the local economy and people, logging and developing the forestland, callously throwing dynamite as well as toxins in pristine lakes, building fences, and as often as not, treating the native Mapuche with arrogance and contempt. There are tensions between family members, rich and poor, as well. Nature is the redeeming feature. Manena, the only character who seems to appreciate nature, is calm when she is in the natural world and at a loss otherwise. Shot in natural light, the film is worthwhile just to get glimpses of the beautiful Chilean wilderness scenery including mist-filled forests, waterfalls, hot springs, translucent mountain lakes, and beautiful drifting clouds. The film is multi-layered, non-judgmental and full of depth. As with traveling in a foreign land, it is intriguing and gratifying to gain the knowledge and shift in perspective that a foreign film brings. This film was full of new and interesting ideas and outlooks, such as El Cuero, the mythical Chilean lake monster. The producer was very talkative during the question and answer session after the film and delightful to listen to. Seen at the 2014 Miami International Film Festival.