In the Bolivian highlands, an elderly Quechua couple has been living a tranquil life for years until a drought threatens everything they know. While trying to decide whether to stay in the life they’ve always known or move in with family in the city, another complication arises with the arrival of their grandson, who comes to visit with news.
The gorgeous and poignant debut feature by photographer-turned-filmmaker Alejandro Loayza Grisi, Utama is lensed by award-winning cinematographer Barbara Alvarez (Lucrecia Martel’s The Headless Woman), won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, and is Bolivia’s official submission to the 95th Academy Awards. Acclaimed by critics far and wide — including The New York Times, Deadline, Variety, RogerEbert.com, and Time Out — Utama will be playing at IU Cinema this Friday and Saturday!
“Beautifully realized. A cross between a minimalist Sergio Leone western and a series of photos by Sebastião Salgado. A powerful and cautionary tale of survival in a dying world.” —Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter
Utama will be screened at IU Cinema on January 27 at 7 pm and January 28 at 4 pm as part of the International Art House Series.