Somos Ecos

"Somos Ecos" is a bold departure from conventional war films, presenting a gripping human-centered narrative set against the backdrop of the Colombian conflict. Positioned as an action/drama film, it surprises by delivering a powerful exploration of shared humanity amidst the chaos of war.

The film revolves around three young lives tangled in a web of passion and tension-a rebellious boy, a punk enthusiast, an infiltrated guerrilla, and a recruited peasant girl-all thrust into the harsh reality of war. Friendship, betrayal, and love intertwine in the heat of battle, portraying the characters not as mere victims or perpetrators but as individuals navigating the complex cycle of violence.

"Somos Ecos" skillfully captures the transformative journey of these young protagonists, emphasizing the themes of reconciliation and second chances. The narrative delves into their pursuit of freedom, urging for dialogue over violence in a world quick to judge. In essence, the film transcends expectations, offering a thought-provoking perspective on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of conflict, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.

Somos Ecos - was directed by one of Colombia's greatest newest directors: Julian Diaz Velosa. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the Cartagena International Film Festival. Days later, I had the chance to see his film in that amazing and effervescent film festival.

Even though the film was screened in theatres I chose to see it far from the glamour of the festival, amongst the real people of Cartagena. Who better to know if what I was about to watch resounded than them. The gritty made-up theatre, set in the middle of a street; amongst the working class, served perfectly, almost as a metaphor to what I was about to watch.

The film is a transformative and exhilarating "coming of age" war movie but unlike most movies of that genre, Diaz leads on a path of wonder, of questions, about who and what is right when young people are the ones confronted with death ultimately, yes, all in the name of certain beliefs. Colombia had for many years a brutal armed conflict, resulting in the death of a large part of their youth.

Diaz, wants us to reflect on those choices we have to make in order to achieve peace through the process of war - and the price a country has to pay for that.

Beautifully shot in the jungles of Colombia and city, with a great performances by a talented cast and a solid script, I reiterate that Diaz is on his way to of becoming a beacon of Colombian cinema.

Somos Ecos is a raw, unflinching portrait of Colombia's armed conflict, seen through the eyes of youth trapped in its chaos. The film's power lies in its unromanticized realism, exposing the agonizing choices forced upon a generation desperate to reject violence yet bound by circumstance. Director Julián Diaz crafts a narrative steeped in urgency, focusing on the emotional turmoil of teenagers navigating loyalty, survival, and identity amidst war. The characters' struggles whether resisting recruitment, protecting loved ones, or clinging to fleeting innocence are rendered with visceral authenticity. Star cinematography and understated performances amplify the tension, while the script avoids didacticism, trusting viewers to grapple with the moral gray areas. Though pacing wavers in quieter moments, the film's heart its indictment of war's theft of youth resonates deeply. By centering humanity over ideology, "Somos Ecos" becomes a haunting elegy for those caught in cycles of conflict they never chose. A necessary, emotionally charged reflection on resilience and the cost of peace.

The film plunges viewers into the heart of the Colombian jungle, where the discord of armed conflict disrupts the dreams of three young souls. Directed and written by Julián Díaz Velosa, this cinematic gem, paints a visceral portrait of a reluctant punker, an infiltrated guerrilla, and a recruited peasant girl. Struggling against the currents of violence and loss, their stories unfold in a symphony of hope amid the chaos, revealing the profound impact of the armed conflict on the diverse tapestry of human experience. Brace yourself for a riveting journey that transcends the screen and leaves an indelible mark on your soul.

Wow, I really liked this film, it was a great movie with a deep message, whish to watch more movies like those in platforms and theaters, the roll of the girl amused me as I never taught the life of the gerrilla in Colombia was this hard. And it was very difficult to see how youth in a country like Colombia can wast their youth in both side of a war that doesn't make sense anymore. Wish to see the day we don't to see each other as enemies just for thinking different or for being born in a different place. We deserve to have a chance to create a new future where youth can do something different to be in war.