Valley of Souls

Colombia, 2002... After a long night’s fishing, José returns to his home deep in the forest to discover that paramilitary forces had killed his two sons and threw their bodies into the river. He sets out on a lonely journey to retrieve the bodies and give them a proper burial in order to prevent their tormented souls from being stuck in this world. On his rowboat journey, José will discover a country that has been torn apart by the violent acts of paramilitary groups, but also the kindness of ordinary strangers.

Director Nicolás Rincón Gille offers an insightful look into a Columbia that has suffered decades of civil war. Rather than a conventional tale of victimhood and survival, VALLEY OF SOULS is a poetic exploration about loss, grief, and consolation. The non-professional Jesús Carvallido Lobo, playing José in the movie, gives a riveting performance with an expressionless face that shows no sign of agony.