Colombian Drama 'Iluminada' Finds Poetry in a Neighborhood Ruled by Violence

A young woman channels her mysterious visions into poetry, but a forbidden romance with a boy named Juan draws the attention of the powerful forces that rule her violence-scarred neighborhood.

That is the world of "Iluminada," a contender in the Golden Goblet Awards Main Competition, whose director and cast presented the film at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival on Monday.

Directed by Colombian filmmaker Nicolás Rincón Gille, the film follows its title character's quiet but determined push for spiritual freedom, told through a blend of documentary-style realism and poetic imagination.

Rincón Gille said he set out to tell a grounded story rooted in a real place.

"We set the story in a real neighborhood in Colombia, a place plagued by violence and conflict, and used numerous authentic scenes to faithfully depict the local life and the protagonist's original circumstances," he said.

A large number of non-professional actors were also invited to perform alongside their professional counterparts, helping to convey authentic Colombian customs.

When asked about her perspective on the integration of realistic and surrealist elements in the film, producer Patricia Ayala offered her interpretation.

"As the director noted, our visual language is highly authentic, capturing the true essence of neighborhood life through a documentary style," she explained. "But within the narrative, we incorporated poetic dreams and elements of magical realism to achieve harmony and balance."

Actor Hector Obando then expressed his feelings about the film's protagonist, Iluminada, saying that her story holds significant inspiration for many people.

"Through her story, we can see how a young person struggles and searches for self-worth in an oppressive environment," he commented. "Her experience also reminds us to hold firm to our belief in love, friendship, and all positive forces."