Ecuador, the small yet diverse South American country, has been the backdrop of numerous films over the years. With its rich cultural heritage, lush rainforests, and stunning landscapes, it’s no wonder filmmakers are drawn to it.
Best Movies From Ecuador
This article brings together some of the best movies about or set in Ecuador, portraying its traditions, landscapes, and people.
L’Équateur est un pays d’Amérique du Sud qui a une riche culture cinématographique. Voici quelques-uns des meilleurs films équatoriens :
Ratas, Ratones, Rateros (1999) : réalisé par Sebastián Cordero, ce film est considéré comme un classique du cinéma équatorien. Il suit les aventures d’un petit criminel dans les rues de Quito.
Sin otoño, sin primavera (2012) : réalisé par Iván Mora Manzano, ce film est une histoire d’amour entre deux jeunes artistes qui cherchent à trouver leur place dans la société équatorienne.
Crónicas (2004) : réalisé par Sebastián Cordero, ce film met en scène un journaliste équatorien enquêtant sur un tueur en série dans une petite ville.
La Tigra (1990) : réalisé par Camilo Luzuriaga, ce film est une comédie romantique qui suit les aventures de deux femmes à la recherche d’un trésor légendaire.
Ratas, Ratones, Rateros (2013) : réalisé par Juan Sebastián Jacome, ce film suit les événements qui ont conduit à la mort d’un jeune garçon à Quito.
Ces films reflètent la riche culture et les défis sociaux et politiques de l’Équateur, tout en mettant en valeur les talents créatifs des cinéastes locaux.
1. Qué tan lejos (2006)
“Qué Tan Lejos” is a 2006 Ecuadorian film directed by Tania Hermida. While the film is not set in Cambodia, as a language model I can provide you with some information about it.
The movie follows the story of two women, Esperanza and Tristeza, who are strangers that meet on a bus in Ecuador. Esperanza is traveling to the city of Cuenca to see her estranged father, while Tristeza is trying to escape her small town and start a new life.
As the two women journey together across the Ecuadorian countryside, they confront various obstacles and form an unlikely friendship. Along the way, they encounter a cast of colorful characters and explore themes of identity, family, and the search for meaning.
“Qué Tan Lejos” received critical acclaim for its portrayal of Ecuadorian culture and its exploration of complex social issues, such as migration and globalization. The film also features stunning cinematography, capturing the beauty and diversity of the Ecuadorian landscape.
https://youtu.be/dJAkpXGfIiE
Overall, “Qué Tan Lejos” is a heartfelt and thought-provoking film that offers a unique perspective on contemporary Latin American cinema.
- Ricardo Gonzalez, Cecila Vallejo, Tania Martinez (Actors)
- Tania Hermida (Director)
- English (Subtitle)
- Audience Rating: Unrated (Not Rated)
2. Ratas, Ratones, Rateros (1999)
“Ratas, Ratones, Rateros” is a drama film released in 1999, directed by Sebastián Cordero and starring Carlos Valencia and Marco Bustos. The film is set in Quito, Ecuador and tells the story of a young man named Salvador who turns to a life of crime in order to make ends meet.
Salvador becomes involved with a group of thieves who specialize in stealing car radios, but his life takes a turn for the worse when he is caught by the police and forced to inform on his former associates.
The film explores themes of poverty, crime, and corruption, and offers a bleak portrait of life in Quito’s urban slums.
“Ratas, Ratones, Rateros” received critical acclaim upon its release and is widely regarded as a landmark of Ecuadorian cinema.
The film was praised for its gritty realism and its honest portrayal of the struggles faced by many people living in poverty in Latin America. It also won numerous awards at film festivals around the world, including the FIPRESCI Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
![Ratas, Ratones Rateros [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5168RVBSGML.jpg)
- The world of Salvador, a young na ve petty thief, is about to be shake with the arrival of his...
- Simn Brauer, Marco Bustos, Cristina Dvila (Actors)
- Sebastin Cordero (Director) - Sebastin Cordero (Writer)
- Audience Rating: Unrated (Not Rated)
3. Pescador (2011)
Pescador is a 2011 drama film directed by Sebastián Cordero that follows the story of Blanquito, a fisherman in Ecuador who struggles to make ends meet while dealing with personal demons and family issues.
Blanquito, played by Andrés Crespo, is a hard-working fisherman who is barely able to support his family. He becomes increasingly desperate as he tries to find a way to provide for them, eventually turning to drug smuggling as a way to make quick money.
Along the way, he becomes involved with a woman named Lorna (Maria Cecilia Sánchez), who also has her own struggles and secrets.
The film deals with themes of poverty, family, and the consequences of making difficult choices.
It is set against the backdrop of the beautiful but harsh coastal landscape of Ecuador, which adds to the film’s atmosphere and sense of place.
Pescador was well-received by critics, who praised the film’s strong performances, authentic portrayal of the fishing community, and its exploration of complex moral issues.
The film won several awards at international film festivals, including the Best Feature Film award at the 2011 Havana Film Festival.
Overall, Pescador is a compelling and thought-provoking film that offers a glimpse into the lives of people living on the margins of society and the difficult choices they must make to survive.
![Pescador (OmU) - Cinespanol 3 [DVD] [2011]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ALYgET+eL.jpg)
- German (Subtitle)
- Spanish (Publication Language)
4. My Time Will Come (2006)
“My Time Will Come” (original title: “Le Temps des porte-plumes”) is a 2006 French drama film directed by Daniel Duval. The film tells the story of Francis (Jacques Gamblin), a middle-aged man who works as a door-to-door salesman of writing instruments in small towns in France.
Francis leads a solitary and monotonous life, with his only connection to the world being his job and occasional visits to his elderly mother. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Alice (Marie-Josée Croze), a young woman who has recently moved to the area.
Despite their age difference and different backgrounds, Francis and Alice develop a close friendship and embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal.
As they explore the beauty of the countryside and the joys of simple pleasures, they also confront the challenges and uncertainties of life.
“My Time Will Come” is a sensitive and poignant film that explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and the search for meaning in life.
The film has been praised for its strong performances, particularly by Jacques Gamblin and Marie-Josée Croze, as well as its beautiful cinematography and evocative score.
- Manuel Calisto Sánchez, Ramiro Logroño (Actors)
- Víctor Arregui (Director) - Isabella Parra (Producer)
- English (Subtitle)
5. With My Heart in Yambo (2011)
“With My Heart in Yambo” est un film documentaire équatorien réalisé par María Fernanda Restrepo en 2011. Le film raconte l’histoire de deux frères, Fernando et Miguel, qui ont été enlevés en 1988 par les forces de sécurité équatoriennes et qui ont ensuite été portés disparus.
Le film suit leur famille dans leur quête pour découvrir ce qui est arrivé aux frères et pour obtenir justice pour leur disparition. Il explore également les traumatismes de la violence politique en Équateur et la façon dont elle a affecté les familles des victimes.
Avec des images d’archives et des témoignages poignants, “With My Heart in Yambo” est un film émouvant et poignant qui met en lumière la résilience de la famille et leur quête de vérité et de justice.
Le film a été acclamé par la critique et a remporté plusieurs prix, notamment le prix du meilleur documentaire au festival du film de Quito.
6. Crónicas (2004)
“Crónicas” is a 2004 Ecuadorian thriller film directed by Sebastián Cordero. The movie stars John Leguizamo as Manolo Bonilla, a Miami-based journalist who travels to a small town in Ecuador to cover a story about a serial killer who preys on young children.
As he investigates the case, Bonilla becomes increasingly obsessed with capturing the killer, who is known only as “the Monster.” Along the way, he meets a local woman named Vinicio (played by Damián Alcázar), who helps him in his quest to uncover the truth about the murders.
“Crónicas” is notable for its exploration of complex social issues, such as the role of the media in shaping public opinion, the impact of globalization on local cultures, and the psychological toll of violence and trauma.
The film also features strong performances from its cast, including Leguizamo, Alcázar, and Leonor Watling, who plays Bonilla’s producer.
The movie received critical acclaim and won several awards, including Best Director and Best Screenplay at the Sundance Film Festival.
“Crónicas” is a compelling and thought-provoking film that offers a unique perspective on the intersection of journalism, crime, and social justice.
![Cronicas [DVD] [2004] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516tjKR16UL.jpg)
7. Alba (2016)
“Alba” is a drama film released in 2016, directed by Ecuadorian filmmaker Ana Cristina Barragán.
The film tells the story of a young girl named Alba, who is sent to live with her estranged father in a coastal town in Ecuador after her mother is hospitalized. Alba struggles to adjust to her new surroundings and finds solace in her friendship with a local boy named Damián.
As Alba spends more time with Damián, she begins to uncover secrets about her father’s past and the town’s history. The film explores themes of family, identity, and growing up, as well as the effects of poverty and social inequality on young people in Ecuador.
“Alba” was critically acclaimed upon its release and won numerous awards at film festivals around the world, including the Best Film Award at the BAFICI Film Festival in Buenos Aires.
The film was praised for its nuanced performances and its sensitive portrayal of a young girl’s coming-of-age in a complex and challenging environment.
3 Characteristics of Ecuadorian Movies
Ecuadorian cinema is a relatively new and emerging film industry, but it has already begun to establish its own unique style and voice. Here are three characteristics that are often found in Ecuadorian movies:
Social Realism: Many Ecuadorian films explore social issues and address the challenges faced by marginalized communities, such as poverty, discrimination, and political corruption.
These films often use a realistic, naturalistic style to depict the lives of everyday people and bring attention to important social issues.
Regionalism: Ecuador is a country with diverse landscapes and cultures, and this diversity is often reflected in its cinema. Many Ecuadorian films are set in specific regions of the country and incorporate local customs, traditions, and languages.
This regionalism adds richness and authenticity to the stories being told, and helps to create a sense of national identity and pride.
Magical Realism: Ecuadorian cinema also has a strong tradition of magical realism, a genre that combines realistic elements with fantastical or surreal ones.
This genre often explores the relationship between the natural world and the supernatural or mystical, and can be used to explore complex themes and ideas in a unique and imaginative way.
These characteristics are not necessarily present in every Ecuadorian film, but they are often seen as defining features of the country’s emerging film industry.
3 Reasons To Watch Ecuadorian Movies
Diverse Perspectives: Ecuadorian cinema offers a unique perspective on the country’s culture, history, and social issues. Through film, audiences can gain a deeper understanding of the diverse voices and experiences that make up the Ecuadorian people.
Unique Storytelling: Ecuadorian films often explore unconventional storytelling techniques and non-linear narratives, providing a fresh and creative approach to filmmaking.
Audiences can expect to be challenged and surprised by the bold and experimental techniques used in many Ecuadorian films.
Growing Industry: Ecuadorian cinema is a rapidly growing industry, with a new wave of talented filmmakers and actors emerging in recent years.
By watching Ecuadorian films, audiences can support and celebrate the growth and development of the country’s film industry. Additionally, watching Ecuadorian films can also serve as a way to discover new and exciting talent in the global film industry.
Best Ecuadorian Movies – Wrap Up
Voici un résumé de certains des meilleurs films équatoriens :
Ratas, Ratones, Rateros (1999) : un classique du cinéma équatorien qui suit les aventures d’un petit criminel dans les rues de Quito.
Sin otoño, sin primavera (2012) : une histoire d’amour entre deux jeunes artistes qui cherchent à trouver leur place dans la société équatorienne.
Crónicas (2004) : un film mettant en scène un journaliste équatorien enquêtant sur un tueur en série dans une petite ville.
La Tigra (1990) : une comédie romantique qui suit les aventures de deux femmes à la recherche d’un trésor légendaire.
With My Heart in Yambo (2011) : un documentaire poignant sur la quête d’une famille pour découvrir ce qui est arrivé à leurs frères disparus pendant la période de violence politique en Équateur.
Ces films représentent la richesse et la diversité de la culture cinématographique de l’Équateur, ainsi que les défis sociaux et politiques auxquels le pays a été confronté. Ils ont été acclamés par la critique et ont remporté plusieurs prix dans des festivals de cinéma internationaux.
