Whilst in Peru, we’ve been watching a few documentaries on the sights, cuisine, and local culture. Although a decent amount of our viewing has focused on places we’re going and food we want to try, during our search we came across a movie called ‘Wiñaypacha’ that moved us.
It’s the first feature film made in Aymara, a language spoken in the Bolivian and Peruvian Andes with only 1.7 million native speakers. It was also Peru’s nomination to the Oscars for best foreign film.
It follows the lives of an octogenarian couple who try to survive in the Peruvian Andes whilst they wait for their only son to return.
The bond between the pair is equal parts mesmerising and heart breaking. The themes of abandonment, ageing, survival, and religion are explored with nuance. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s films like this that remind me of the important role art plays in making us feel emotions that we wouldn’t have experienced in our day-to-day.
There may be some geographical restrictions, but if it’s available in your country, it’ll be on either Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. Let me know what you think of it if you get round to watching it!