Surire has Dali's imagery with Van Gogh's strokes. I watched it in the context of the EDOC film festival in Quito. I find it interesting that many descriptions of the film describe it as an environmental one, as though the plot would have any mention to it - it doesn't. Not a very assertive one at least. As true as it is that many salt flats are getting destroyed due to the nearby exploitations, particularly for borax in this region, that would not have been evident from the film if not familiar with borax extraction- I have visited similar areas in Bolivia. I did enjoy Surire's quotidian air and how much it demanded my own attention and calmness. It did a very good job of luring the viewer into the Aymara's way of life in the area with its joys and frustrations. The soundtrack was also admirable, showcasing the region's environmental noises.
3 Reviews
A beautiful but somewhat frustrating film...
roman-1526 October 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I recently saw "Surire" projected at the Public Library in Arica. I've been up in the Altiplano many times and haven't been in Surire, but in other nearby places (such as Chungará), for the first time in 1983, and several times since.
From a purely technical and visual point of view, this film is a great accomplishment and from many ways exceeded my expectations.
But there are also many questions that are unanswered.
It's true that the High Andes (specially in the interior of Arica) are becoming depopulated. That few people live, and these are mostly old persons. Also that life is very, very hard at around 4000 meters above sea level.
It's true that Quiborax is extracting salt from the salt flats and this surely impacts flora, fauna and the people that live there. How much? No idea...
It's true that these places also provide the opportunity for a better livelihood for the original inhabitants with proper training and resources. The Chilean Government has provided basic services (witness the PV panels visible in several houses and basic sanitary services).
It's true that much, much more needs to be done.
The filmmakers took an approach as "witnesses". However there's no such thing as an impartial witness. I can't buy the idea of the Bolivian nephew for the senior couple (that goes down to Arica) comes simply walking down from Bolivia. This is common in places near the Bolivian border, but Surire is at least 50 km from Bolivia.
So after the film, I had the impression that it was a project that needs to be rethought: probably 20 to 30 minutes less running time would benefit the film; and I sorely miss more context and *some* clear position.
How did those tourist riding bikes get there in the last few minutes? From Arica? Not likely. Did they have local support?
To help save this very complex and rich culture, the youngest members must be empowered and properly educated (most of them have now at least High School education, but since it's not a *proper* education, they usually end up living in Arica, working for the Mining companies or finding "better" opportunities down south).
So, a beautiful film, an impressive effort. But I can't help the mixed feelings...
From a purely technical and visual point of view, this film is a great accomplishment and from many ways exceeded my expectations.
But there are also many questions that are unanswered.
It's true that the High Andes (specially in the interior of Arica) are becoming depopulated. That few people live, and these are mostly old persons. Also that life is very, very hard at around 4000 meters above sea level.
It's true that Quiborax is extracting salt from the salt flats and this surely impacts flora, fauna and the people that live there. How much? No idea...
It's true that these places also provide the opportunity for a better livelihood for the original inhabitants with proper training and resources. The Chilean Government has provided basic services (witness the PV panels visible in several houses and basic sanitary services).
It's true that much, much more needs to be done.
The filmmakers took an approach as "witnesses". However there's no such thing as an impartial witness. I can't buy the idea of the Bolivian nephew for the senior couple (that goes down to Arica) comes simply walking down from Bolivia. This is common in places near the Bolivian border, but Surire is at least 50 km from Bolivia.
So after the film, I had the impression that it was a project that needs to be rethought: probably 20 to 30 minutes less running time would benefit the film; and I sorely miss more context and *some* clear position.
How did those tourist riding bikes get there in the last few minutes? From Arica? Not likely. Did they have local support?
To help save this very complex and rich culture, the youngest members must be empowered and properly educated (most of them have now at least High School education, but since it's not a *proper* education, they usually end up living in Arica, working for the Mining companies or finding "better" opportunities down south).
So, a beautiful film, an impressive effort. But I can't help the mixed feelings...
Muy bien
EdgarST2 September 2023
In a first vision, I looked for a second intention where there was none and I ended up dismissing the achievement of the filmmakers.
Seen for the second time, in the calm and unhurried atmosphere that the work requires to be observed, I found the splendor of both the Saltar de Surire and the images registered as observed by the camera-eye of Pablo Valdés, the cinematographer.
Perhaps it was a bit forced trying to narrate ethnographic mini-stories based on what was shot, but beyond the intention of the directors, the extreme austerity and inclement rigor of the misery of the inhabitants of the area is vividly recorded.
Seen for the second time, in the calm and unhurried atmosphere that the work requires to be observed, I found the splendor of both the Saltar de Surire and the images registered as observed by the camera-eye of Pablo Valdés, the cinematographer.
Perhaps it was a bit forced trying to narrate ethnographic mini-stories based on what was shot, but beyond the intention of the directors, the extreme austerity and inclement rigor of the misery of the inhabitants of the area is vividly recorded.
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