Wednesday, January 24, 2024

PETRO (2024) Slamdance 2024


Gustavo Petro, a former M-19 member, decides to run for President of Columbia.

This is a good look at a man who has been struggling for decades in order to change his country. Trying  to unite the people instead of dividing them with hate and fear Petro is fighting the good fight and he seems to be winning. Following Petro on his journey to the Presidency, the film reveals his past as well as his plans for the future. It’s a film that tries to be fair by talking to all sides (though some people refuse to speak on camera). 

I was along for the long haul and ended up liking the film a great deal.

If the film has any flaw it’s that the film doesn’t have a great deal of suspense, the result of having a low key tone.. While I know a quick check of the internet will tell anyone how it comes out,  the problem is that the film plays a clip of Donald Trump early on talking about President Petro.  That would be okay if the film didn’t open with Petro putting on bulletproof vest, seemingly indicating that there is danger ahead. It’s not fatal, but it results in a film that isn’t quite as urgent as it could have been.

That said, this is a really good film and worth a look.

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