Plot

At the impressionable age of 16, young Mateo faces a dilemma about the direction his life will take when his corrupt uncle asks him to infiltrate a local Barrancabermeja theatre group to uncover its members' political activities.

The healing power of art weakens violence in Colombia. Mateo, 16, collects extortion money from shopkeepers in Barrancabermeja on behalf of his uncle, a local crime boss. He uses his pay to help out his mother, who accepts the ill-gotten money out of need. To prove his worth, Mateo agrees to infiltrate a local theatre group in order to uncover its members' political activities. As he becomes enthralled with the creative lifestyle of the troupe, his uncle escalates demands on him to produce incriminating information on the actors. Under pressure, Mateo must make difficult choices. Throughout this story composed from real life experiences, Mateo and his mother find their dignity as they face the perils of doubting the established hierarchy of Colombia's armed conflict.—María Gamboa

Tells the story of Mateo, a 16-year old youth working for his uncle Don Walter, a powerful paramilitary, collecting extortion money from small businesses as exchange for protection in the violent neighborhoods of Barrancabermeja. When Don Walter asks him to infiltrate the theater troupe to uncover its members' political tendencies, Mateo discovers a fascinating, expanded and never imagined world amid rehearsals and activities shared with other actors. He faces a dilemma after realizing he is unable to remain faithful to his uncle and his intimidating, violent methods as he increasingly feels the need to be true to himself. This internal conflict allows Mateo to find his dignity and establish the difference between life and death for him.—Anonymous