REVIEW: ‘La Bouche’ plays Neighboring Scenes
Cinema Tropical and the Film Society of Lincoln Center recently showcased Latin American films in their annual cinematic festival called Neighboring Scenes. One of the short-film highlights was La Bouche (The Mouth) from French-Colombian director Camilo Restrepo.
Running only 19 minutes, the experimental film features music, percussive beats and high drama. Without reading a synopsis beforehand, it may be difficult for audience members to understand the relationships and plot points within the unconventional narrative, but that’s part of Restrepo’s journey as a filmmaker. He’s as interested in content as he is in form, and how one informs the other.
In the film, a father has learned that his daughter has been murdered by his son-in-law. This revelation drives the story forward and inspires the musical selections in the short film, which was shot on 16mm.
Mohamed Bangoura (known as “Red Devil”), a master of percussion from Guinea, stars in the movie. The dialogue, as the press notes mention, comes through the song lyrics, which are sung in Soussou, a language spoken in Guinea.
The percussive talents in the film are on full display and appreciated, and knowing a bit about the backstory of what inspired La Bouche offers an appreciation for the emotion and storytelling behind the rhythmic beats of the Djembe drum, a wonderful instrument.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
La Bouche (2017), written and directed by Camilo Restrepo, stars Mohamed Bangoura. Running time: 19 minutes. Recently played the Neighboring Scenes film festival organized by Cinema Tropical and the Film Society of Lincoln Center. Rating: 
