A Retrospective of Innovation: The cali Group’s Influence

For eight months, the Bogotá Cinemateca, under the auspices of the District Arts institute – Idartes, has showcased The film groups in Cali: Revealed Archives, an exhibition dedicated to the influential Cali Group. Curated by Katia Gonzalez, the exhibition delves into the origins and lasting impact of this artistic and cultural movement that transformed Cali into a global creative hub. The exhibition, which will run until May 25th, features a wealth of materials donated from the personal archives of key figures like Luis Ospina, carlos mayolo, and Andrés Caicedo.

The Cali Group, also known as “Caliwood,” emerged in the 1970s and 80s, a period of critically important social and political upheaval in Colombia. This context heavily influenced their work,which often explored themes of urban life,social inequality,and cultural identity. Their innovative approach to filmmaking, characterized by experimentation and a rejection of traditional narrative structures, left an indelible mark on Colombian cinema. Today, independent film festivals like the Bogota Film Festival continue to showcase works that echo the Cali Group’s spirit of innovation.

deconstructing Caliwood: Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition is structured around four key themes, each illuminating diffrent facets of the cali Group’s work:

• Business Justifies the Film: Examining the economic realities and challenges faced by filmmakers in Cali.
• Of Cineclub and the Magazine to the Filming set: Tracing the evolution of the group from cinephile circles to active filmmaking.
• Films to Rewind the Story: Analyzing the group’s narrative techniques and their engagement with Colombian history and culture.
• caliwood Women: Highlighting the contributions of women filmmakers and artists within the Cali group.

Visitors can also explore a thorough photographic archive by Eduardo ‘La Rat’ Carvajal, a member of the Cali Group, offering a visual journey through the era.

Accessibility for All: Ensuring an Inclusive experience

The Bogotá Cinemateca has prioritized accessibility, incorporating features such as video capsules with Colombian Sign Language (LSC), audio descriptions, and Braille chips to cater to visitors with disabilities. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that the legacy of the Cali Group is accessible to everyone.

Final Curtain: Closing Events and Tributes

as the exhibition nears its end, a series of special events are planned to celebrate the Cali Group’s contributions:

Colombian Cinema Strip: Exhibition cinema groups in Cali – May 16 / 6 PM

Screening of:

• Cali, Ciudad de América (Dir. Diego León Giraldo, 1972) Colombia. 90 min.
• Hey see! (Dir. Luis Ospina, Carlos Mayolo, 1972) Colombia.26 min.

A conversation with Juana Suárez, a researcher, film critic, film archivist, and cultural manager, alongside Katia Gonzalez, the exhibition’s curator.

Tribute to Beatriz Caballero – May 23 / 5 PM

Screening of:

• With yoru music elsewhere (Dir. Camila Loboguerrero, 1984) Colombia. 91 min.

A discussion featuring Camila Loboguerrero, Diego León Hoyos, and Sandro Romero Rey.

additionally, screenings of The araucaima Mansion and Meat of your flesh by Carlos Mayolo, and thoroughbred by Luis Ospina, are scheduled.

BECMA will also host a conversation and workshop on May 15 and May 29, focusing on Andrés Caicedo and exploring the personal libraries of Luis Ospina and Carlos Mayolo. Registration is required for these free events.

Preserving the Past,Inspiring the Future

the The film groups in Cali: Revealed Archives exhibition represents a significant milestone in preserving and promoting the legacy of the Cali Group. By showcasing these invaluable archives, the Bogotá Cinemateca reinforces its role as a vital institution for safeguarding Colombian cinematic heritage. The exhibition not only honors the past but also inspires future generations of filmmakers and artists to push creative boundaries and explore new forms of storytelling.