Colombian Film: INFIERNO O PARAÍSO | Proimágenes Colombia

Synopsis

Nothing could have predicted that José Antonio, a Spanish engineer from a stable middle class family, would end up homeless, a crack addict, and living in the infamous death alley in the Cartucho neighborhood in Bogotá. José Antonio is filmed throughout his delirium, full of poetry and clarity, during a time when dozens of families are being evicted from Cartucho, which is set to be torn down to build the Third Millennium Park. The resurrection of the place runs parallel to Jose’s own resurrection, when he decides to check himself in to a rehab program. Overcoming his crack addiction drastically changes his life, or maybe not … A partner, a promising job in a thriving Spain that shortly deteriorates into crisis and debt … Which is more fictitious, the drug-induced world or the capitalist one? Which monsters are harder to fight? Which world is easier to escape from? This is a documentary whose power lies in its humanity. A visceral movie, and a portrait recorded over ten years that demonstrates Germán Piffano’s brave effort to shake off prejudice and accompany and embrace the human being who lives, dreams and shouts from underneath his shabby, stinking appearance. It is a lesson in humanity and humility.