Los Hongos

Los Hongos is a vibrant, emotive and deeply humanistic film directed by Oscar Ruiz Navia. Released in 2014, it features young talents such as Jovan Alexis Marquinez, Calvin Buenaventura, and Atala Estrada. The film is a compelling representation of youth culture, steeped in the realities of urban life set against the backdrop of Cali, Colombia.

Los Hongos (translated in English: The Mushrooms) introduces viewers to its protagonist Ras, portrayed by Jovan Alexis Marquinez. Ras is an employed youngster who paints murals on the walls of the cityscape under the cover of night. He’s one part graffiti artist and one part night-time vigilante, spraying messages of resistance, social change, and thought-provoking art to the life-hardened walls of Cali. He works by day at a construction site to earn his keep and buy his art supplies - spray cans being his preferred medium.

The narrative also introduces Calvin, played by Calvin Buenaventura - a young man with a love for skateboarding and an affinity for graffiti art. Adding to this duo is Atala Estrada who plays the role of a hardened mother figure with her own unique story to tell. The movie takes audiences through the day-to-day existence of these undefined artists faced with economic crises, dreams unfulfilled, disillusionment, and the vicious cycle of poverty. Despite their circumstances, they find joy, purpose and a sense of rebellion in their art - leaving indelible marks, not only on the city walls, but also in the hearts of viewers.

The movie is essentially a slice-of-life, capturing the raw essence of Cali’s streets. However, through the lives of Ras, Calvin and their associated characters, Los Hongos raises poignant questions about social issues, politics, poverty and the power of art as a medium of expression and resistance. One of the fascinating aspects of this film is the way it marries the rich cultural vibe of the city with the rebellious spirit of its inhabitants, thereby painting an honest portrait of the urban youth in Colombia.

Drawing on elements of magical realism and documentary style filmmaking, director Oscar Ruiz Navia offers a vivid portrayal of life in Cali. The film beautifully captures the city's vibrancy and vitality even amidst the harsh social realities that it grapples with daily. The use of local non-professional actors adds a level of authenticity to the film, making it resonate with viewers on a more intimate level. With its thoughtful and engaging narrative, coupled with its unconventional storytelling, Los Hongos encapsulates the trials, tribulations, and passions of the city's youth.

Moreover, the film's exploration of youth counterculture – the need for self-expression, the graffiti art as a tool for social commentary, the street life, and even the rebelliousness rooted in socio-economic adversity – is noteworthy. The focus on the subculture of graffiti allows for a discourse on the notions of public space, artistic freedom, and social activism.

Beyond its social commentary, Los Hongos is, at its core, a visual poem on coming of age against odds, friendship, dreams, and the simple human need for creative expression. The protagonists, while navigating their personal struggles, discover the healing power of art and the impact of their visual statements on the society. Their nighttime ventures of leaving provocative art on the city walls serve as a metaphor for their desire to rise against their circumstances and make their voices heard.

Los Hongos is not a typical film about youth; it is a visual tapestry of human experience amplified by the spirited culture of Cali, significant for its encapsulation of raw, unfiltered urban life and art. However understated the movie’s aesthetics might be, it is rich with life, infectious energy and authenticity that bleed from every frame. It’s a unique exploration of graffiti as a socio-political tool of voice for a generation that refuses to be silenced or ignored. The movie is an artist's gaze on the world, filled with dance, music, and the enduring spirit of youth. In its totality, Los Hongos is a lively, thought-provoking and heartfelt journey into the heart of urban youth culture in Colombia.