The 54th edition of the Cartagena International Film Festival (FICCI) will open this year with the global premiere of Colombia’s highly-anticipated salsa film, “Ciudad Delirio.”
Directed by three time Goya Award–Spain’s main film award–nominee Chus Gutiérrez, “Ciudad Delirio” features the prominent Colombian actress, Carolina Ramirez known for her performance in soap operas such as “La Hija del Mariachi” and La “Pola.” Alongside her stars Spain’s Julián Villagrán, winner of a Goya Award for his performance in Spanish action film, “Grupo 7.” Also appearing in the film are distinguished Colombian actors such as Vicky Hernández, Jorge Herrera, Margarita Ortega and John Alex Castillo.
The film is set in Cali, the salsa capital of Colombia, and centers around an introverted Spanish doctor, Javier. During a medical conference, Javier coincidentally meets Angie, a salsa dancer who aspires to perform in the actual world famous salsa show, Delirio. A night shared between the two, sparks a romance infused by the power of the passionate latin dance, but their situation is complicated by cultural differences and ill-timing. “Ciudad Delirio” is a humous tale of two lovers and the cultural obstacles they take on to be together.
Co-produced by Diego F. Ramírez, head of Colombian 64-A Films and Spanish Elena Manrique, founder of Film Fatal, the film hopes to, “…invite the audience to get to know Cali, a center of creative development for Colombia’s cinema, splendidly and authentically presented through the passion and flavor of salsa,” according to a FICCI press release.
The lead choreographer on the film, Blanca Li, has previously worked with Australian artist Kylie Minogue, world salsa champion Viviana Vargas, and international superstar Beyonce.
“Cartagena will get to experience the madness of one of the most sensual dances on earth,” the press release said.
The film was shot in seven weeks in over 45 different locations in both Cali and Madrid, Spain.
In addition to an accomplished crew, more than 3,200 extras from Colombia’s Cauca Valley came together to make this fictional movie, which highlights the real cultural and traditional history of the salsa show, Delirio.
The film festival will run from March 13 to March 19 this year.
