Céline Roustan
It’s 1992, Bogotá, amid one of the most violent periods in Colombia’s history, young mother Pilar is presented with an opportunity that could change her life and her family’s future. In Bogotá Story, writer/director (and editor) Esteban Pedraza crafts an intimate portrait of a woman facing a dilemma, effectively immersing us in her life through a nostalgic, almost souvenir-like storytelling approach that grounds the story with a compelling authenticity.
“I made it in an attempt to conjure and even create memories of that time that I know I have but don’t remember.”
As a Colombian who grew up in the US with a single mom, Pedraza shared that “this fictional film is loosely inspired by my parents and the brief time we had together as a family in Bogotá when I was a baby”. Hoping to “conjure and even create memories” of a time he does not remember, Bogotá Story is indeed told as a non-existent memory – a recounting of events by someone who wasn’t there, but who was told the story by someone who was. Whether the narrator is reliable or not is irrelevant as the point of view is addressed from the beginning, and ultimately, while the historical facts are an undeniable canvas of the story, it is the emotional turmoil of the decision-making that’s at the core of the film, giving it a universal quality.
On screen depictions of Colombia in the 90s often focus on the perspective of those responsible for the violence. While Pedraza does not hide that part of his protagonists’ lives, he articulates his film around the mundanity of Pilar and Alejandro’s daily routine, fleshing them out with relatable traits. By centering his short around these everyday actions, the director ensures that the conflict triggered by the opportunity Pilar receives is all the more potent and engaging.
“One major plus in bringing an American DP is that he was able to see the city as an outsider and appreciate all of the beauty that people who live there take for granted”, Pedraza discussing the shoot.
The short was shot on film, both because Pedraza’s DP was “a master with it” and to enhance the screenplay. Are we ready to say that a film set in the 90s is a period piece? Regardless, production designer Marcela Gómez Montoya instantly takes us back with the look of the set. While all the crew was Colombian, DP Ryan Marie Helfant was the only non-Colombian on set. His 16mm aesthetic perfectly complements the era of the film, while also pairing with the idea that this is a recounting of memories. Furthermore, Helfant saw Bogotá with fresh eyes – unlike everyone else on set – allowing his lens to capture the city from Valeria’s perspective, as someone who grew up in NYC with no memories of the place.
“Performance is the element that’s most important to me”, Pedraza stressed, as he explained that the casting process was mostly based on improvisations. Revealing that later, during rehearsals, the script evolved and “leveled up even more through more improv and freeform blocking”. Catalina Rey’s performance as Pilar is especially remarkable – subtle and nuanced, she is able to convey the internal conflict of her character with great sensitivity. From seeing her in the world she lives in to witnessing her role in the family unit, and how this unexpected opportunity starts to shake everything apart.
Bogotá Story had its World Premiere at the 2023 edition of the Venice Film Festival and went on to have a great festival career earning multiple awards, including Best Actress and Best Actor at Bogoshorts, Best Narrative Short at SFFILM, and Best of Fest at the Palm Springs ShortFest. This means that the film is currently FYC in the Best Live Action Short Film category of the Oscars.