Submerged Memories: El Peñol 1978 + Q&A with Isabel Restrepo
Join us for an evening of cinematic exploration into the often overlooked history of the El Peñol – Guatapé reservoir in Antioquia, Colombia. The programme includes two very different short productions, the first “an unfinished film”, with a musical accompaniment by renowned Chilean musician, José Rojas, direct from Edinburgh; the second, a story from later generations who are searching for the “Memories of the Last to Leave.”
Edinburgh
📍Where: Leith Dockers Club (17-17a, Academy St, Leith, EH6 7EF)
🕰️When: Sun 16 June – Doors open at 16:00, Event Starts at 16:30
FREE ENTRY
An Unfinished Film by Carlos Álvarez & Alberto Aguirre
Colombia | 1978 | 16 mm | B&W
Restoration project led by María Clara Calle & Isabel Restrepo
*Silent Film with live music by José Rojas
EL RECUERDO DE LOS ÚLTIMOS
(Memories of the Last to Leave)
Simone Cardona | Colombia | 2023
Nestled amidst breathtaking beauty, the reservoir, with its lush surroundings, is widely regarded as a paradise by many. However, beneath its serene facade lies a tragic tale of displacement, loss, and the irreversible transformation of a once- peasant and working community.
Step into the dramatic history of the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir through two mesmerizing short films that delve deep into its rich and complex history performed by the heartfelt musical score of Chilean musician José Rojas. All of this amidst the warm ambiance of one of Leith’s most cherished communal spaces: The Leith Dockers.
José Rojas (Chilean Musician) / Photography: Leo Paredes
Jose Rojas, a Chilean musician and researcher, has established a vibrant career in Scotland since 2017, primarily focusing on percussion, music facilitation, and electronic music.In his role as a facilitator, Jose is involved in various projects, including “Musician in Exile,” where he serves as a tutor. He has conducted workshops with organizations such as Shunpike Social Club from OI Musica and Creative Spark Theatre Arts.
His contributions extend to the Dandelion Festival 2022, where he served as a musician in residence, and the project “From The SUR,” collaborating with dancer Andrea Torres and Pianodrome to provide instrument crafting and percussion sessions.As a percussionist, Jose has been part of several bands including Brizz (formerly Bristol Branch band), Ché Caré Trio, The Latina Turners Salsa Band, Los Chichanos, and The Other. Beyond the UK, he has collaborated with En Tu Contra from Chile and composed for “Casi,” directed by Gabriel Ávila in France. Additionally, Jose ventured into electronic music production, releasing his first production titled “Fuera de Sitio” through Pueblo Nuevo Netlabel in 2020.
Researcher and historian Isabel Restrepo Jaramillo is a leader of the research line in Archives, Ethnography and Audiovisual Historical Sources, as well as Coordinator of preservation project for the archive “Memoria Audiovisual del Atrato y el Pacífico.” She is a member of the Research Group of Social History (GISH) attached to the University of Antioquia and the National University of Colombia, Medellín. She holds a master’s degree in History, with an emphasis in audiovisual patrimonial management and film preservation. She is author of the book Narrativas de la historia en el audiovisual colombiano (2019) among others publications. Isabel is also the agent for the personal archive of filmmaker Carlos Álvarez.
Trailer: Memories of the Last to Leave
Join us for a memorable evening at the final screening of the Latin Connections and Cinemaattic season.
