Retablo is a nuanced film. On the one hand, it is distressing -especially for people from the Andes, as is my case-, on the other hand, es hauntingly beautiful. It is a reality that needs to be seen, particularly by the people from the Andes, regardless of their ethnicity. Undeniably coloniality -and all of its consequences- runs conquered territories. But this has been our reality for 500 years, so these adopted modes are embedded in our identities. Homophobia, sexism, sexualization, racism, among other malaises, have been normalized in our communities. So any content that can lead to decolonizing us is necessary.
However, it is crucial to think about positionality. As stated at the beginning of this review, Alvaro is mestizo. Adding to that, he is white-passing, has double nationality. He was born and studied in London. I will not assume anything about his gender or sexuality because there is not enough information online.
So that makes one wonder who is he doing this film for? Is it speaking to the indigenous/mestize communities, or is it a performance for the outside world? It makes me think of who uses the retablos. People from the Andes can use it as a memory/worship tool, or tourists can commodify it as an exotic/decorative item. Is Alvaro sucking up on white people? Maybe as a means to win an Oscar?
So that makes one wonder who is he doing this film for? Is it speaking to the indigenous/mestize communities, or is it a performance for the outside world? It makes me think of who uses the retablos. People from the Andes can use it as a memory/worship tool, or tourists can commodify it as an exotic/decorative item. Is Alvaro sucking up on white people? Maybe as a means to win an Oscar?
An example comes to mind, the difference between Jordan Peele and Spike Lee. Peele's movies are a wake-up call for white people, so its primary audience is white people. When the black community sees his films, their response is "Of course is like that! We know". In contrast, Spike's voice speaks directly to the black community, without even considering the reaction of the rest.
Do we still need a white/mestizo person to tell us what it is like to be an indigenous? Or are we still in a period where indigenous artists don't have access to showcase their pieces with their voices?
What would be -or was- the reaction of the indigenous community?
Despite my final rant, I enjoyed the movie tremendously. But these questions navigate my mind constantly regarding my work. It is a film worth watching.
