Olancho

"Olancho" refers to a region of Honduras that is riddled by the kind of violence rarely seen outside of a war zone. Los Plebes de Olancho, a popular narcocorrido music outfit, promote their shows by driving through rural areas with a loudspeaker, announcing the details and communing with the citizens they meet along the way. Early on in Chris Valdés and Ted Griswold’s revealing, tension-filled documentary, they are preparing for a gig when two men get into a scuffle, resulting in the older man’s death (the show goes on anyway). Manuel, the front man, explains that it’s dangerous to play narco ballads, but it pays better than manual labor. Manuel grew up on a farm without electricity or running water, but he makes a better living than his father, who continues to work the land. He’s also lucky to be alive, since the band’s previous front man met a mysterious and violent end by way of vehicular homicide. Orlin, the youngest member (who looks considerably older than his 28 years), tempts fate by playing private shows for narcos (the directors blur out the faces and bleep the names of the cartel members to whom he directs his songs in exchange for cocaine, which he snorts enthusiastically). As a structuring device, Valdés and Griswold use a radio interview with Manuel, in which he discusses his reasons for relocating to the United States. Although he finds his new life comparatively dull, he expresses gratitude for the greater security, and holds out hope that he can return to his homeland someday. A powerful documentary (viewers should be advised that the film features victims of internecine violence in addition to livestock slaughter), this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)