V IS FOR VENEZUELA
Jorge Thielen Armand tells of La Soledad, his family’s beautiful mansion that had fallen into disrepair. In the time of crippling financial crisis, when both the middle and lower classes in Venezuela are struggling, the family decides to raze the mansion and sell the land. This is heartbreaking news for Jose Negro, the grandson of the family’s servant who lives in the property with his grandmother, wife and child. Working odd jobs, scouring the city for his grandma’s medication, and hoping for a better life for his little daughter, Negro is forced to make sad choices.
I liked the film and the story, but had too many narrative questions left which could have been easily resolved. Especially in regards to director’s relationship with the protagonists. It was hard to shake the feeling of the director’s vacation interest that ceases after he leaves. Like, he made a film, but they live it. It would also be great to be able to learn of Jose and his family’s life updates. None the less, I am grateful to have been able to get a glimpse into Negro and his family’s life.
La Soledad, 2016
Director: Jorge Thielen Armand
