Canadian distribution company h264 has secured worldwide sales rights to “Where the River Begins,” a film by Colombian-Canadian director Juan Andrés Arango, ahead of its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film will screen in TIFF’s Centrepiece section, a prestigious showcase for international cinema that runs September 10-20.
The drama follows Yajaira, a young Embera woman portrayed by Girleza Duave Cerezo, who lives in a challenging Bogotá neighborhood with her daughter Maria. Yearning for the jungle village of her past, Yajaira is forced to flee with Maria and encounters Jhon, a gang member with hidden depths, as they attempt to reach the Andágueda River. The production was shot across multiple Colombian locations and represents a co-production involving Canada and Norway.
h264 president Jean-Christophe Lamontagne expressed enthusiasm for the film’s potential international appeal, noting its distinctive vision and resonance beyond Colombia’s borders. Director Arango highlighted that the film explores universal themes of belonging through the perspective of an Indigenous mother, and praised h264’s collaborative approach throughout post-production.
Arango previously gained recognition with his debut feature “La Playa DC,” which represented Colombia at the Academy Awards and premiered at Cannes in 2012. His second feature premiered at TIFF in 2016. The current project was produced by teams from Canada and Colombia.
Originally reported by Variety →
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