Paper Days: A Colombian Short Film Retrospective with Live Music
Colombia Presente! 2025 brings a very special evening: a silent film with live music, in tribute to Jorge Silva (1941–1987), one of Colombia’s most important cinematographers and the sentimental and creative partner of filmmaker Marta Rodríguez. We will screen Paper Days (1964), Silva’s only fictional film, a jewel of Colombian cinema. With its beautiful photography and delicate visual language, the film reflects on social class in the outskirts of Bogotá, through the simple but powerful image of children flying a kite.
At the beginning of the evening, we will also present four remarkable short films. Two of them form a small showcase dedicated to Alberto Giraldo, a Colombian filmmaker recently rediscovered, whose work has been restored and made available again thanks to Patrimonio Fílmico Colombiano. These films—Yo pedaleo, tú pedaleas (I Pedal, You Pedal) (1974) and Dale duro, Cayetano (1974)—capture the playful and experimental spirit of their time. We will also screen Azilef (1971) by Luis Ernesto Arocha, an outstanding and distinctive work from the 1970s. To set the tone for the tribute to Jorge Silva, the programme includes Monserrate, a beautiful “observational stroll” by avant-garde filmmaker Carlos Mayolo from the renowned “Caliwood” movement, in co-direction with the brilliant cinematographer Jorge Silva himself.
📅 30th October, 19:00
📍 Leith Dockers Club, Academy St, Edinburgh EH6 7EF
Accessibility: The hall is wheelchair accessible as it is all on one level, however Leith dockers club does not have specific disabled toilets. A wheelchair can fit into the toilets but not the toilet cubicles and all cubicles have grabrails.
Azilef | 1971 | Colombia | Luis Ernesto Arocha | 8’
A hypnotic, experimental, and psychedelic homage to the metal sculptures of Feliza Bursztyn, one of Colombia’s most visionary artists.
Yo pedaleo, tú pedaleas (I Pedal, You Pedal) | 1974 | Colombia | Alberto Giraldo | 12’
During the 1970s, the Vuelta a Colombia cycling race was a major national event. Using still photographs and documentary footage, the film demystifies a spectacle that became a business built on the dreams and disillusionment of young athletes.
Dale duro, Cayetano | 1974 | Colombia | Alberto Giraldo | 13’
Following young boxers from Cartagena’s poorest neighborhoods, the film shows their pursuit of success under basic, harsh conditions. Through beautiful, dignified footage, it reveals their struggle, determination, and the fragile hope that drives them.
Monserrate | 1971 | Colombia | Jorge Silva & Carlos Mayolo | 7’
This rare gem captures a traditional visit to Bogotá’s Monserrate Church. With humor and subtle political undertones, it offers an observational portrait of the people who work on and visit this iconic hill.
Los días de papel (Paper Days) | 1964 | Colombia | Jorge Silva | 19’ | Silent
A silent film documenting a childhood marked by abandonment, loneliness, and exclusion in the corridors of the children’s home where Jorge Silva grew up. Having completed only three years of primary school, Silva worked as a bricklayer to support his mother. After years of self-education in libraries and cine-clubs, he created this powerful testimony of his early life.
This screening will be accompanied by live music by Toby Shippey.
Toby Shippey
Toby is a trumpet player, drummer / percussionist, singer songwriter and composer. After studying architecture at Glasgow Art School and then experimental music and contemporary art at Brighton Art School he continued with a career in music in everything from folk, avant guard composition, hip-hop, soul and salsa. Running clubs such as the legendary Lizzard Lounge and playing gigs all over the world for over 30 years with bands such as Salsa Celtica, Grupo Magnetico and others.
Jorge Silva
Jorge Silva (1941–1987) was a Colombian cinematographer, director, and photographer, best known for his long-standing creative and sentimental partnership with filmmaker Marta Rodríguez. Together they made some of the most powerful films in Colombian documentary history, portraying the struggles and dignity of Indigenous and peasant communities. His work is recognised for its deep social commitment, visual strength, and poetic realism. Paper Days (1964), his only fictional film, remains a rare gem in his career.
Accessibility:
The hall is wheelchair accessible as it is all on one level, however Leith dockers club not have specific disabled toilets. A wheelchair can fit into the toilets but not the toilet cubicles and all cubicles have grabrails.
