LA YUMA
Part of the Hispanic Heritage Month Cinematic Celebration at Cosford Cinema, LA YUMA is Nicaragua’s first full-length feature in 20 years. LA YUMA tells the story of a young woman who dreams of transcending her bleak life in the slums of Managua by becoming a boxer. Looking beyond the meager possibilities that seem available to her (and ignoring the advice of her gang-member friends), she finds solace and hope in her training and falls in love with a middle-class journalism student. In Jaugey’s words, “the strength, the astuteness and determination of the main character, reflect the feelings of a population that faces up adversity and inequality.” With an extraordinary performance by Alma Blanco as Yuma, Jaugey’s film allows us the rare opportunity to get a glimpse of everyday life in this Central American country. Pre-selection for the Oscars® Academy Awards 2011 for Best Foreign Film.
LA YUMA recounts a moment of life deeply rooted in Nicaragua today. An unknown Nicaragua to many; outside of international news, wars, climate disasters and revolutions one tends to forget that millions of people still live in this small country. The strength, determination and cunning of the main character, reflect the attitude of a population faced everyday with adversity and inequality. In LA YUMA, styles and emotions are mixed as in life; there are shocks and hunches, laughter and drama. Necessity gives people who have nothing a new challenge every day. This film is also a challenge. It is the first feature film production in Nicaragua in the last 20 years. It was filmed under precarious circumstances, and was born thanks to the enthusiasm of a team motivated by the desire to give a face to this reality unknown to the public.
Directed by Florence Jaugey. Unrated.
Nicaragua, 2011, Digital Projection, 91minutes, Color, Spanish with English Subtitles.