Magical Realism: Embracing the Absurdity of Latin America | Andrés Hermida | TEDxColegioBolivar

Summary

The speaker reflects on the power of film to capture the essence of life, particularly in Colombia. They discuss the importance of embracing local culture and the unique blend of indigenous magic and colonial structure in Latin American storytelling. The narrative highlights the influence of magical realism in literature and film, drawing from the works of Latin American writers like Gabriel Garcia Marquez. The speaker critiques the tendency of Colombian filmmakers to imitate American culture, advocating instead for a more authentic representation of their own experiences and the absurdity of their surroundings.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The speaker began making short films at 14 with their sister, focusing on themes of self-discovery and the absurdity of perfection.
• 📽️ Attended a director chat screening in Cali, Colombia, where they saw a documentary by Luis Opa about art and culture during the 80s, highlighting the 'cwood' art movement.
• 🤔 Noted the peculiarity of Colombian filmmakers copying U.S. culture and problems, which results in an unnatural and forced aesthetic.
• 🌍 Suggested that embracing local culture and its chaos can lead to more authentic and fresh storytelling, with magical realism reflecting the true Latin experience.
• 🏰 Discussed the historical influence of colonial structures and indigenous magic on Latin American culture, contributing to a unique cultural identity.
• 📚 Magical realism originated in the mid-20th century as a literary movement, with writers like Jorge Luis Borges and Gabriel Garcia Marquez exploring the absurd and magical aspects of Latin culture.
• 🎭 The 'cwood' movement in Cali was inspired by international films and represented an escape from the harsh realities of 80s Colombia, using art as a form of catharsis.
• 🎨 Emphasized the importance of Colombian filmmakers focusing on local stories with a taste of absurdity and magical realism to reflect the true essence of Latin culture.
• 🌐 Critiqued the impact of social media and technology on Latin culture, suggesting it leads to an Americanized form that lacks authenticity.
• 👥 Highlighted the struggles and absurd conditions faced by the general public in Colombia, which can provide rich material for authentic storytelling.
• 💡 Concluded with the idea that embracing one's culture and history is crucial for artists, urging them to look beyond superficial influences and tap into the 'real magic' of their surroundings.

Q & A

What was the motivation behind the speaker and their sister making short films at the age of 14?

The motivation was to encapsulate their time and create movies about struggling to find one's art, understanding personality, the absurdity of perfection, and finding oneself within one's sins.

What did the speaker find fascinating about filmmaking?

The speaker is fascinated by the ability to use a camera to manipulate movement, surroundings, and help tell a story.

What was the main theme of the documentary the speaker saw at the director chat screening in Cali, Colombia?

The documentary was an exploration of art, culture during the 80s, focusing on art and the problems that occurred during that time.

What is the 'cwood' art movement mentioned in the script?

The 'cwood' art movement is a generation known for its unique approach to art and filmmaking, which includes Luis Opa, the director of the documentary the speaker saw.

Why does the speaker believe Colombian filmmakers should not copy the culture and problems of the United States?

Copying the culture and problems of the United States leads to an artificial and forced aesthetic that is not natural or real for Colombian culture.

What are the two major aspects that the speaker believes influence Latin filmmaking?

The two major aspects are the structure brought by colonizers and the magic that comes from indigenous tribes, which together create a unique mixture.

How does the speaker describe the impact of social media on the perception of reality in Latin America?

The speaker suggests that an over-reliance on social media can make Latin people perceive things as less odd, as it shapes their cultural understanding.

What is magical realism, and how does it relate to Latin American culture according to the script?

Magical realism is a literary movement that started in the mid-20th century, focusing on the absurdity and magic within Latin culture. It is characterized by stories that are irrational yet could plausibly happen, reflecting the unique problems and history of the region.

What is the significance of the 'D' start movement in the context of Colombian film culture in the 80s?

The 'D' start movement was a film club in Cali that showed international movies, inspiring local directors to create films with a taste of Colombian culture and absurdity, as an escape from the country's problems during that era.

How does the speaker connect the struggles within Colombia to the creation of art?

The speaker connects the struggles within Colombia to art by suggesting that artists transform their emotions and pain into catharsis through creative expression, drawing inspiration from the history and ambient struggles.

What advice does the speaker give to artists and filmmakers about embracing their culture?

The speaker advises artists and filmmakers to embrace their culture, understand their origins, and create stories around their setting and actual events, rather than denying or copying foreign cultures.