Today we’re talking to Luis Eduardo Villamizar, who is in the process of creating a film documenting his journey finding out about himself, his heritage and Colombia.
Many Colombians left the country during the 70s and 80s in search of a life away from the troubles, but as we know, Colombia continues to push forward, progress, and open its doors. The Colombia of today is very different, and more and more people are looking to discover their roots in the country, encouraged by a desire to understand more about themselves, their history, and a country that is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich in the world.
This isn’t a story unique to Colombia, and that’s why Luis Eduardo Villamizar’s documentary project is so inspiring. In today’s world of immigration, globalization and expatriation, A Journey to Colombia is a project that could touch many.
First of all, could you give us a little introduction about yourself and your upcoming film?
I was born in the US and both my parents are Colombian. The first and last time I was in Colombia, I was two and a half years old and it was 1973. Even though I’ve only been there that one time, I’ve always felt a strong connection to the country and its people. In my upcoming documentary, “A Journey to Colombia” I want to give the audience insight into my search for understanding my identity, family history and Colombian heritage.
The film highlights these themes through stories from various family members, notable Colombians and Colombian Americans spanning back to the 1930’s. However, while the individual stories are unique, they are experiences that a much larger audience can easily relate to.
Together with my cousin, Orlando Villamizar the Director of Photography and Scott Davis, our producer, we’ve been working on the film for about 12 months and we start filming this July in Colombia.
What is it that you hope to achieve with this film?
The goal of the documentary is to educate the audience about the beauty of Colombia and the Colombian people while contradicting Hollywood-stereotypes by displaying the country’s diverse culture, economic advances and the resilience of the people.
On your Indiegogo page, you say a question often asked is “where are you from?”. How do you answer that, and has your answer changed since working on this project?
Well I’ve always understood that question to mean what is my heritage. I’ve always said I’m Colombian but I’ll go on to say that I was born in the states and both my parents are from Colombia. Since we’ve been working on the project my answer hasn’t changed but I’ve had the opportunity to speak to more people about being asked that question. By necessity, I believe we must all try to comprehend the experience of being different in the United States, to see how each individual finds his or her way in society. I hope “A Journey to Colombia” will start a dialogue about what we see, who we are, and the changing face of the American family.
Why do you think it’s important that this film is being made?
Even now with the popularity of some Spanish soap-operas and movies, which I won’t name, they’re getting popular by displaying the violence and drugs that still overcast the country. I get it, sex, violence and drugs sell but I believe that it’s time to show a new Colombia. I truly believe that by completing it, our film can change people’s perspectives and we can present this beautiful country & people before a broad, international audience. While this is a compelling human interest story, the film has the potential to start a positive, new narrative for Colombia.
In your travels and during your life in the States, what have you seen as the perception of Colombia?
Most of the time, I hear negative comments. When I’ve told people I’m Colombian, they try to be funny with a joke or comment about cocaine. There have been many times when I’ve had to educate people that we’re not all drug dealers, drug users or killers. Other times, people have no clue where Colombia is on a map. Of course in cities with a large Latino or Colombian population, like Miami or New York, people are more knowledgeable because of the influence we have in those communities.
Do you think it’s changing?
Absolutely. In just the last 12 months that we’ve been working on the film, Colombia has been in the news and for the most part in a positive way. We’ve seen that in the Olympics, being named in the top travel destinations for 2013, Medellin named ‘most innovative city’, social media campaigns like, “It’s Colombia NOT Columbia”, major companies like Marriott building new hotels in Bogota, Cali and Cartagena. The country is really pushing forward and making huge strides. All of these things and much more are playing a large role in the continued emergence of Colombia.
What do you hope to show of Colombia during the film?
We’ll be filming in Barranquilla, Cartagena, Sincelejo, Tolú and Bogotá this summer. My family is from la Costa Norte, so we’ll be up there and then in Bogotá since it’s the capital. I tell people that the family story is what drives the film. You’ll see interviews of not only family members but of other people along my journey. Right now we have recording artists Lisandro Meza, Juan Jose Meza and Jeffrey “Lil Duey” Meza, a Historian and others speaking about topics such as Colombian culture, the economy, travel and tourism, etc., all positive.
Speaking more personally, how has this journey affected you?
This last year has been amazing. Through our social media channels, I’ve met so many wonderful people around the world from Scotland to California, from Canada to Colombia, who are supporting the film. I’ve spoken to many people who have similar “journeys” or stories. Every time I come across someone new, I’m touched by their words of encouragement and their interest in what we’re doing, I feel truly honored. This experience has shown me that there are many people out there that can relate to my story or the positive message that we aim to show in the film.
It’s also given me a new sense of responsibility. I feel that a lot of people are looking at what we’re doing and could use it as a guide in their own journeys. Whether that is finding their roots, rediscovering or visiting their country, this is one of those films that can be make people think about their own lives and what they are doing to preserve their culture and beliefs as well as how they pass that on to the younger generations and their children.
How can people help?
We currently have a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo that was set-up to help us with the production cost of the film. Here people can contribute by picking a perk category which they will receive certain items in exchange for their donation. People can also donate any amount they wish via credit card online. You get to enjoy some pretty amazing perks by helping to support our film plus, donations are tax-deductible via our 501c3 fiscal sponsor, Fractured Atlas. To donate, please visit the Indiegogo campaign page: http://igg.me/at/AJTC/x/2934056
When will it be released?
We are aiming for an early 2014 premiere. Once we get back to the states from Colombia this summer we have a few interviews to do and then move into post-production which will last about 3-4 months. We are planning to submit the film or a short version to film festivals, those of which start in February and March. In the meantime, please join us on our website and follow the journey on our social media pages below. Thank you!
Get in touch with Luis at A Journey to Colombia using the following links:
Website: http://www.ajourneytocolombia.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AJourneytoColombia
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JrnytoColombia
