La Bonga documents the resilience of an Afro-Colombian community, forced to abandon their town following mass death threats from reactionary paramilitaries in 2001. Fleeing amidst the turmoil of nearby massacres and accusations of sympathizing with guerrilla groups, the inhabitants left their homes and their land behind, seeking safety in the cities.
Prompted by Colombia's fragile peace agreements in 2016 and spearheaded by María de los Santos, the sole resident brave enough to return, the greater community embarks on a symbolic journey through the dense jungle to the site of their demolished town, endeavoring to revive a celebration honoring their patron saint and facing the daunting challenge of reconstructing a place that exists only in their memories.
Against the backdrop of dense foliage and jungle birdsong, La Bonga captures the resilience and unity of a community determined to reclaim its identity. As they confront the harsh realities of the past, they find solace and strength in their collective heritage. Recognized with the Cultural Intangible Heritage Award, La Bonga also earned the Loridan-Ivens & Cnap Award for Best First Feature at Cinéma du Réel, along with Best Documentary honors at Cinelatino Francia and the Colombian Film Festival NY. La Bonga stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the enduring power of community.
Powerful, artful, and touching are just a few of the many adjectives that can be used to describe La Bonga. Using an almost magical-realist narrative style, this documentary sends the viewer on an emotional voyage into the memories of those who lived through the terror of Colombia’s death squads. The village La Bonga represents the cultural heritage of a predominantly Afro-Colombian community, and the former resident’s desire to rebuild and reclaim what they can is instantly compelling to the viewer in its sincerity. Its pacing and storytelling may make a few documentary lovers look for other titles, however, narrative experiments throughout La Bonga make it an excellent title to introduce Afro-Colombian culture and history in the classroom. Highly Recommended.
Where does this documentary belong on public library shelves?
Documentary Films Section: La Bonga is a highly acclaimed documentary that fits well in the general documentary section. Patrons interested in historical events, social justice, and cultural resilience will find this film compelling.
Cultural Studies Section: Given its focus on Afro-Colombian culture and heritage, La Bonga is suitable for the cultural studies section. It offers insights into the traditions and struggles of a specific community, making it valuable for those interested in cultural preservation and diversity.
History Section: The film’s examination of Colombia’s recent history, including the impact of paramilitary violence and the peace process, makes it appropriate for the history section. It provides a vivid depiction of the historical events' personal and communal aftermath.
Social Sciences Section: La Bonga explores themes of community resilience, displacement, and identity, making it relevant for the social sciences section. It can serve as a resource for understanding social dynamics and the human response to trauma and displacement.
What kind of college instructor could use this documentary?
History Instructors: Instructors teaching courses on Latin American history, modern history, or conflict studies would find La Bonga a valuable resource. It provides a personal perspective on the broader historical context of Colombia's civil conflict and peace process.
Cultural Studies Instructors: Those teaching cultural studies, particularly courses focusing on Afro-Latinx cultures or the impact of colonialism and modern conflicts on cultural identities, can use this documentary to illustrate the resilience and cultural practices of the Afro-Colombian community.
Anthropology and Sociology Instructors: Instructors in anthropology or sociology can utilize La Bonga to discuss themes of displacement, community resilience, and the reconstruction of identity after trauma. The film's ethnographic elements and focus on collective heritage make it a rich resource for these fields.
Peace and Conflict Studies Instructors: This documentary is particularly relevant for courses in peace and conflict studies. It provides a case study of the human impact of armed conflict and the challenges of post-conflict reconciliation and rebuilding, making it a powerful teaching tool for understanding peace processes and community resilience.