-Written by Kyle Bain.
In the heart of Colombia a resistance is surging, led by activist Francia Márquez. She looks to regain control of her country and the term “Igualada,” a term that has been derogatory for years. She looks to fix the problems that plague her homeland, and with the help of the headstrong individuals surrounding her, she just might be successful.
Igualada is a straight-forward documentary that doesn’t do much in terms of showmanship or shock in order to keep viewers engaged. It’s a simple, but powerful story that will likely resonate with viewers who tend to gravitate toward this sort of content. Director Juan Mejia Botero knows that he doesn’t have to do much to appeal to viewers, as those who want to watch, will–and those that struggle to find this sort of thing appealing will distance themselves from it.
I doubt there’s a middle ground–unless you want to consider people like me (film critics) the middle ground. Though, I, like group number two, wouldn’t have watched this film of my own volition. I understand why Igualada would appeal to viewers, and I certainly understand why this documentary would be one that viewers would seek out–but I’m not the target audience. What makes this film interesting, and more enjoyable really, is that Botero understands this. He’s not trying to combat the mindset of potential viewers, he’s simply attempting to present a story to whoever will listen. He stands firm in his vision, and I believe that he’s successful in his venture.
Márquez has spent the last thirty years of her life working toward making Colombia a better place, a place where its residents can thrive–and she’s made drastic changes through her activism in that time. She’s a person worthy of a documentary, and she possesses a presence that allows her to fill the screen. My concern with Igualada, however, lies with her. She’s a powerful individual, but she runs the risk of taking over and of the documentary becoming solely about her rather than the cause(s) that she fights for. I’m not sure that the doc ever gets to that point, but there are certainly times in which she is more prominently featured than everything else present in the film.
Viewers get an up-close-and-personal and in-depth look at the things that Márquez fights for, and it does allow the documentary to become immersive. There are often times when we feel like we are on the front lines and Igualada becomes more than just a story told by both Márquez and Botero. It’s these moments that have the potential to appeal to a wider audience, but I still believe that Igualada will continue to appeal to one specific type of viewer.
Again, Igualada is a straightforward documentary in which Botero and Márquez want this story to be told. With little to no frills, nothing really to shock viewers, and not much other than a simple story, Igualada will appeal to who it will appeal to–and that’s alright with Botero.
Directed by Juan Mejia Botero.
Starring Francia Márquez.
6/10 = WATCH IT FOR FREE
