NEW DIRECTORS/NEW FILMS // A FILM REVIEW OF "LOS HONGOS"
The Museum of Modern Art and the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s 44th edition of New Directors/New Films is being presented in New York City from March 18 – March 29. For 44 years New Directors/New Films has been an annual rite of early spring in New York City, bringing exciting discoveries from around the world to adventurous moviegoers. All aspects of cinema, from production to exhibition, have changed dramatically over the years, but the spirit of innovation and the element of surprise that have always defined this festival remain intact. Dedicated to the discovery of new works by emerging and dynamic filmmaking talent, this year’s festival will screen 26 international feature films and 16 short films.
We here at TheArtsWire Weekly are bringing you our take on the films we're screening during the festival.
The coming of age story is a universal one. Los Hongos takes a fresh look at this tale of old and shines some new light on it, by telling the tale of two artistic teens growing up in Colombia. Most of the time I find coming of age stories predictable and whiney, but these two best friends are upbeat, hopeful and only slightly tinged with teenage angst.
The difference between the two boys’ families is a very interesting contrast, like neon paint splashed on a granite wall. Ras, who spends most of his time riding his skateboard, lives in a small, white washed room with his super-religious mother. Cal, who is his best friend, takes care of his grandmother in a beautiful plant-covered home with multiple rooms and lots of technology. Their friendship stems from both of the boys’ interest in the graffiti culture.
Graffiti culture is something I don’t know much about. One thing I have always loved about it however, is not only the idea of placing art in the ugliest of places, but also the political statement that art will prevail no matter what “the man” says. This actually is the point of the title of the film, and arguably the film itself. Los Hongos translates to ‘the mushroom’, which is a plant that can successfully thrive anywhere, in any climate under almost any condition. Both of these boys definitely represent this concept very well by creating art no matter what is going on around them. This film definitely delves into the ebbs and flows of the boys’ daily struggles, while simultaneously examining the changes in Colombian government, and does so in a gentle way. ‘Politics’ is an ever present character in the background, but never so prominent that it derails the work as a whole.
My favorite character of all is definitely the wrinkly little spitfire, Nanita. She is one tough cookie. Nanita is a tiny old woman who is almost finished with her chemotherapy, maintains a quick wit through it all and doesn’t stand for unnecessary violence. In one fantastic scene, she flips through her photo album and shares an intriguing story about aiding a criminal and hiding him from the government. She continues on to explain how important it is to be kind to your friends and hold them close. This adorable woman’s relationship with her grandson and his friend was a heart-warming example of friendship through the ages.
The film does seem to lose sight of what it was trying to say near the end of the film. In one strange moment, the boys get incarcerated and dropped off in blindfolds in the middle of the jungle. Although this was an opportunity for some beautiful shots of paint dipped fingers trailing over moss-covered rocks, and swinging bare feet dangling from the branches of a beautiful tree, these shots left me a bit confused. It also slowed down the entire pace of the film, which until this point in time, was a nice high energy, fast moving story.
Los Hongos, made me laugh, showed me new people from a new place in the world, and showed me how similar our lives are. It left me feeling grateful for my family and friends, and hopeful that art can live in just about any circumstance. I enjoyed watching a coming of age story that was more about two friends learning how to cherish their friendship and respect their art, because it is a tale not often told, but is lived every day. Not everyone is a Holden Caulfield.
VERDICT: SEE IT
WRITTEN BY César Augusto Acevedo & Oscar Ruiz Navia DIRECTED BY Oscar Ruiz Navia STARRING Jovan Alexis Marquinez, Calvin Buenaventura, Atala Estrada, Gustavo Ruiz Montoya, María Elvira Solis, Dominique Tonnelier, Ángela García
Playing as part of The Museum of Modern Art and the Film Society of Lincoln Center's 44th New Directors/New Films Fest. For tickets: http://newdirectors.org/
FINAL THOUGHTS: It drags near the end, but the rest of it is a delicious and beautifully done story.
CHRISENA RICCI once went to a costume party dressed in an all black dress and black wig. No one there could guess who she was. So she shouted out, "I'm Christina Ricci, without the T or I and add an E!" Everyone stood there confused, she was annoyed, so she stormed off. She never returned to that apartment ever again. Which is fine, because she later realized she was at the wrong party. She now lives in New York City.