DIRECTOR: Felipe Holguín Caro
STARRING: Elizabeth Martinez Negrete, Antonio Jimenez, Pabla Florez, Miguel Ángel Fontalvo, Juan José Jiménez
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 23 minutes
LANGUAGE: Spanish
In a town erased from the maps where there is not even electricity, a teenage girl dreams of being a boxer. When she learns that her uncle will box for the world title and the event will be broadcast live on television, she and the community will go out of their way to watch the fight, while fighting for her dignity and against oblivion.
***
Felipe Holguín Caro is a Colombian writer and director. His many credits include several short fictional films like Manana and Salvador and short documentaries like Made in Colombia: Mucho Perro and La Cachera. He's also directed two documentaries: Transforming Realities and Dream Creators. La Suprema is his debut narrative feature. The film made its worldwide debut at the Toronto Film Festival in September 2023 and was released in Colombian theatres in May 2024. La Suprema won best film at the Huelva Latin American Film Festival.
The film was chosen by the Colombian Film Academy to represent Colombia at the Oscar Awards on September 17th.
The film was produced by Cumbia Films and Ferviente Films.
La Suprema is a drama and it was filmed in a village close to Cartagena, Colombia.
To check out all previous submissions for Colombia, click HERE.
STARRING: Elizabeth Martinez Negrete, Antonio Jimenez, Pabla Florez, Miguel Ángel Fontalvo, Juan José Jiménez
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 23 minutes
LANGUAGE: Spanish
In a town erased from the maps where there is not even electricity, a teenage girl dreams of being a boxer. When she learns that her uncle will box for the world title and the event will be broadcast live on television, she and the community will go out of their way to watch the fight, while fighting for her dignity and against oblivion.
***
Felipe Holguín Caro is a Colombian writer and director. His many credits include several short fictional films like Manana and Salvador and short documentaries like Made in Colombia: Mucho Perro and La Cachera. He's also directed two documentaries: Transforming Realities and Dream Creators. La Suprema is his debut narrative feature. The film made its worldwide debut at the Toronto Film Festival in September 2023 and was released in Colombian theatres in May 2024. La Suprema won best film at the Huelva Latin American Film Festival.
The film was chosen by the Colombian Film Academy to represent Colombia at the Oscar Awards on September 17th.
The film was produced by Cumbia Films and Ferviente Films.
La Suprema is a drama and it was filmed in a village close to Cartagena, Colombia.
To check out all previous submissions for Colombia, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
“I never fought for the money. I fought for the dignity of winning.”
La Suprema, directed by Felipe Holguín Caro, is a heartwarming and dynamic debut feature that captures the spirit of a remote Colombian village through the lens of a determined teenage girl with big dreams. Set in 2001, the film follows Laureana (Elizabeth Martinez), a strong-willed teen who wants to follow in her estranged uncle’s footsteps as a boxer. Her journey, however, is not just about her personal ambitions but also about uniting her forgotten community, which lacks electricity and resources, to witness her uncle’s championship boxing match on live TV. The film weaves together themes of family, tradition, and communal pride, making for a poignant and joyful cinematic experience.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to make the town of La Suprema feel alive and integral to the story. Holguín Caro knows how to capture the essence of a place, and here, La Suprema is portrayed as a character in its own right. Through vibrant cinematography and an immersive sense of place, viewers are drawn into the daily rhythms of life in this remote village, whether it’s the laughter shared over a game of dominos or the communal chores at the river. This setting is key to understanding the struggles and joys of a community that has been left behind by modernization and the government, yet remains deeply connected to one another.
At the heart of the film is Laureana, whose spirited determination drives much of the narrative. Martinez delivers a compelling performance as a young girl who challenges both gender norms and her grandmother's expectations. Her character is relatable and endearing, blending youthful rebellion with a genuine desire to uplift her community. Her interactions with Efrain, the local boxing trainer with a complicated past involving her uncle, and other village characters add richness to the story, making it more than just a tale of ambition, it’s about intergenerational relationships, mentorship, and the bonds that define small-town life.
What makes La Suprema stand out is its deft balance between humor and social commentary. While it’s a story filled with light-hearted moments and eccentric characters, the film doesn’t shy away from addressing the deeper issues that the Colombian village faces. The lack of electricity and isolation symbolize the community’s marginalization, yet Holguín Caro frames these struggles with a sense of optimism and resilience. The act of bringing a television to the village to watch the boxing match becomes a powerful metaphor for collective hope and the possibility of being seen, both by each other and by the world outside.
La Suprema is a feel-good film with heart and soul. Its brisk 83-minute runtime is packed with energy, laughter, and emotional depth, offering a joyous exploration of how dreams can inspire unity in even the most overlooked places. Holguín Caro’s debut feature is a love letter to a forgotten community, reminding audiences of the beauty in the ordinary and the power of togetherness. It’s a film that will leave viewers smiling, touched by its warmth and the tenacity of its characters. La Suprema is a town that does exist, and now everyone knows it.
(This review contains spoilers.)
“I never fought for the money. I fought for the dignity of winning.”
La Suprema, directed by Felipe Holguín Caro, is a heartwarming and dynamic debut feature that captures the spirit of a remote Colombian village through the lens of a determined teenage girl with big dreams. Set in 2001, the film follows Laureana (Elizabeth Martinez), a strong-willed teen who wants to follow in her estranged uncle’s footsteps as a boxer. Her journey, however, is not just about her personal ambitions but also about uniting her forgotten community, which lacks electricity and resources, to witness her uncle’s championship boxing match on live TV. The film weaves together themes of family, tradition, and communal pride, making for a poignant and joyful cinematic experience.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to make the town of La Suprema feel alive and integral to the story. Holguín Caro knows how to capture the essence of a place, and here, La Suprema is portrayed as a character in its own right. Through vibrant cinematography and an immersive sense of place, viewers are drawn into the daily rhythms of life in this remote village, whether it’s the laughter shared over a game of dominos or the communal chores at the river. This setting is key to understanding the struggles and joys of a community that has been left behind by modernization and the government, yet remains deeply connected to one another.
At the heart of the film is Laureana, whose spirited determination drives much of the narrative. Martinez delivers a compelling performance as a young girl who challenges both gender norms and her grandmother's expectations. Her character is relatable and endearing, blending youthful rebellion with a genuine desire to uplift her community. Her interactions with Efrain, the local boxing trainer with a complicated past involving her uncle, and other village characters add richness to the story, making it more than just a tale of ambition, it’s about intergenerational relationships, mentorship, and the bonds that define small-town life.
What makes La Suprema stand out is its deft balance between humor and social commentary. While it’s a story filled with light-hearted moments and eccentric characters, the film doesn’t shy away from addressing the deeper issues that the Colombian village faces. The lack of electricity and isolation symbolize the community’s marginalization, yet Holguín Caro frames these struggles with a sense of optimism and resilience. The act of bringing a television to the village to watch the boxing match becomes a powerful metaphor for collective hope and the possibility of being seen, both by each other and by the world outside.
La Suprema is a feel-good film with heart and soul. Its brisk 83-minute runtime is packed with energy, laughter, and emotional depth, offering a joyous exploration of how dreams can inspire unity in even the most overlooked places. Holguín Caro’s debut feature is a love letter to a forgotten community, reminding audiences of the beauty in the ordinary and the power of togetherness. It’s a film that will leave viewers smiling, touched by its warmth and the tenacity of its characters. La Suprema is a town that does exist, and now everyone knows it.
