Five Years, Four Months": A Heart-Wrenching Tale of Searching Mothers in Colombia
Director Juan Miguel Gelacio embarked on a project to document the stories of mothers searching for their disappeared sons in Colombia, which eventually led to the creation of the feature film "Five Years, Four Months." The film follows Martha, a mother desperately seeking her lost son amidst the Colombian armed conflict. Together with Sandra, another searching mother, Martha embarks on a journey to a village where the dead are believed to grant the living a favor. The film explores the prolonged grief and uncertainty faced by these women who wait for answers about their missing family members.
The idea for "Five Years, Four Months" was inspired by real-life stories of searching mothers in Colombia who would adopt and bury bodies found by a river, as they were unable to locate their own sons. The film delves into the concept of delayed mourning and the emotional turmoil experienced by those living in uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones. The directors aimed to portray the different stages of intense mourning by pairing a mother who had been searching for a few years with one who had been searching for two decades.
In an effort to bring authenticity to the film, professional actors were cast in the lead roles of Martha and Sandra, while real-life searching mothers were included in the supporting cast. The directors wanted to give visibility to these women and their stories, highlighting the sorority that has developed among them due to institutional failures and abandonment. The collaborative process with the real-life mothers added depth and authenticity to the film, capturing the pain and relief of sharing their memories.
As Colombia faces political changes with the election of a right-wing president, the importance of remembering the stories of the missing becomes even more crucial. The incoming president's plans to suspend the Peace Agreement and defund initiatives related to finding the disappeared raise concerns about the future of the country. The film serves as a reminder of the thousands of missing people in Colombia and the violent history that has caused immense pain to many.
"Five Years, Four Months" being the first Colombian film to compete in the Crystal Globe Competition at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival is a significant milestone for the directors in amplifying their message internationally. The film's journey from a work in progress screening at San Sebastián to its selection at Karlovy Vary reflects a connection with the festival. The directors hope the film resonates with audiences and sheds light on the stories of the searching mothers and their missing loved ones.
Produced by Selva Producciones in collaboration with other production companies, "Five Years, Four Months" involved the participation of Colombian groups of searching mothers. The film's international sales are handled by Patra Spanou. The directors aim to continue sharing the stories of the searching mothers and raising awareness about the plight of the missing in Colombia.