An Empty House Falls 2004
Distributed by Third World Newsreel, 545 Eighth Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018; 212-947-9277
Produced by Marta Rodríguez and Fernando Restrepo
Directed by Marta Rodríguez and Fernando Restrepo
DVD, color, 52 min.
College- General Adult
Latin American Studies, Women Studies, African Diaspora, Post-War Experiences, Human Rights
Date Entered: 10/12/2011
Reviewed by Ayodele Ojumu, Library Media Specialist, Buffalo Public SchoolsAn Empty House Falls is the third film in the Uraba Trilogy, which includes Never Again and Soraya, Love is Not Forgotten. The intimate details of an exiled Afro-Columbian mother and widow is once again unveiled. This narrative concludes much more tragically, however. Marta Palma struggles to survive through the misery, poverty, and shattered bonds along with her family. Yet, conditions associated with the greed for the biodiversity of the Chocó region are too harsh to overcome. Interviews with Palma’s mother and son intertwined throughout film provide a familial weight to the cultural and social uprooting. There is an assumption that viewers will possess background knowledge of Columbian history and biodiversity. The black and white photographs, footage from the guerilla massacre, and songs of despair underscore the persecution of the Afro-Columbian victims. However, full comprehension of the film’s content cannot be achieved without further research. The film is of good technical quality and narrated in Spanish with English subtitles. Overall, An Empty House Falls is very sincere in its depiction. It is recommended for college, public, and academic libraries.