Colombia’s Displaced Communities Shine in Juan Andrés Arango’s ‘Where the River Begins’

Colombian-Canadian director Juan Andrs Arango returns with Where the River Begins, a dramatic tale set in Colombia that follows a widowed Ember mother and her young daughter as they flee a violent neighborhood in Bogot, seeking to return to the Andgueda River, their ancestral rainforest home. This feature marks Arangos first to focus on an Indigenous female lead and continues his exploration of themes such as migration, marginalization, and the intersection of memory and present-day reality, which have been central to his previous works, including La Playa DC (Cannes 2012) and X500 (TIFF 2016).

Filmed across Bogot, Medelln, Quibd, and deep within the Choc rainforest, Where the River Begins combines social realism with a richly sensory cinematic approach. The story draws on Ember spiritual beliefs, portraying the jungle as both witness and judge, while highlighting the struggles of communities displaced by Colombias decades-long conflict. Non-professional actors were central to the production, with Girleza Duave Cerezo of the Ember Dobid community cast as Yajaira, and Juan David Junca Linares as Jhon, a teenage gang member whose confrontation with Yajairas nephew sets them on a shared journey.

The film traces the characters journey from crowded urban peripheries to a rainforest scarred by violence and loss, reflecting the real-life displacement of Indigenous communities and the disappearance of settlements along Colombias Pacific coast. Arango explains, Returning to these spaces is complex and non-linear, as violence has evolved yet persists, and war has reshaped these lands, distancing them from the memories that former inhabitants carry. This search for our roots in a transformed country motivated this story.

Produced by Paola Prez Nieto of Inercia Pelculas with co-producers Midi La Nuit (Canada) and Str (Norway), the film garnered substantial international support, participating in programs such as Cinfondation Workshop, Srfond Pitching Forum, Cine Qua Non Lab, BAM Stories, and San Sebastins Co-Production Forum, where it received the Dale! Award. Support also came from SODEC, Telefilm Canada, Srfond, CALQ, the FDC production fund, and local authorities in Cali. Principal photography concluded after a two-month shoot in July 2025.

Arango worked closely with Ember communities throughout development and production, guided by researcher Nury Dumaza. The project involved community leaders in reviewing the script and contributing knowledge to portray the jungles spiritual presence respectfully. Community members also assisted with acting, logistics, and guidance in the rainforest, ensuring a collaborative and authentic representation.

The narrative emphasizes the psychological and cultural impacts of paramilitary displacement and territorial loss rather than presenting explicit political commentary. Arango notes, The film explores war and displacement as omnipresent forces shaping everyday life, rather than through overt violence. It avoids clear-cut redemption, instead reflecting the complex realities faced by young Ember people while highlighting their resilience and cultural strength.

Arango also collaborated with acting coach Catalina Arroyave to help Girleza Duave Cerezo embody Yajaira, aligning her natural expressiveness with the characters inner life. The editing process, led by Xi Feng, revealed the emotional power of the rainforest on screen, emphasizing its central role in the story.

Reflecting on the projects significance, Arango states that Where the River Begins allowed him to explore identity, belonging, and transformation from a deeply intimate and spiritual perspective, which will continue to inform his future work. The film stands as a testament to the collaborative effort of diverse communities and creatives united to convey a story of memory, displacement, and resilience.

Author: Ava Mitchell