Colombia's diverse and magnificent landscapes play a central role in Ciro Guerra's second feature film, The Wind Journeys. The film tells the story of an accordion player, Ignacio Carrillo (Marciano Martínez), who has just experienced the sudden and traumatic death of his wife. Deeply depressed, he embarks on a quest through Colombia's northern terrain to return his accordion to its rightful owner, his mentor. He is followed by young Fermín (Yull Núñez), who is determined to become Ignacio's apprentice, despite Ignacio's obvious lack of interest. Through this out-of-the-ordinary pair, Guerra creates an evocative homage to the charms of his home country and the music of its celebrated accordion players.
Although Ignacio vows never to play the instrument again, he eventually relents during a dramatic duel of song and verse in one of the villages he and Fermín pass through on their journey. A highlight of the film, the accordion duel is so dramatic and unexpected that it simply has to be experienced. The players are composing on the spot, making up verse as they go along and trying to out-rhyme one another. The music becomes more and more intense, and the back-and-forth drama continues until one musician is forced to submit. Electric and climactic, the sequence is one of many exhilarating moments in The Wind Journeys.
This road movie, viewed from atop a donkey's back, is a story of passion: the wild drama of accordion duels and Fermín's fervent determination to become Ignacio's apprentice infuse Guerra's film with fiery energy. Another striking scene is Fermín's baptism during a drum ceremony. Although he doesn't initially display any talent for music, his spirited tenacity is so overwhelming that he ultimately learns to dominate the drums when put to the test.
Heartfelt without ever becoming sentimental, The Wind Journeys has a pure and honest simplicity that makes it wonderfully compelling. Ignacio and Fermín's relationship grows slowly and convincingly throughout their travels together. In this story of finding friendship and loyalty in a vast land, we watch these small specks traverse their country's majestic vistas while drawing ever closer to one another.
Diana Sanchez
Ciro Guerra was born in Río de Oro, Colombia, and studied film and television at the National University of Colombia. After making several short films, he directed his feature debut,
The Wandering Shadows (01).
The Wind Journeys (09) is his second feature film.