A documentary about life in Columbia and the effects U.S. policies have on the region will premiere in 115 Lawrence at 7 p.m.
The film was shot and edited by University students Andrew Maser and Aaron Rettig. Rettig spent winter term with some contacts he had in Columbia, which helped him not only convince Columbians to speak to him, but also ensure his safety while in the country, said Maser.
“In Columbia, people don’t like to talk when there’s a camera in front of them,” he said, adding, “It’s pretty sketchy to be shooting down there.”
Columbians are being affected by the drug trade in numerous ways. Many Columbians are moving to the city because of the guerrilla and paramilitary violence in the rural areas.
“It’s driving people from rural areas because it’s too dangerous in the country side,” Maser said.
U.S. policies related to the “War on Drugs” have also driven people into the city. Maser said one U.S. policy is to spray the chemical weed killer Roundup on coca fields. This affects indigenous farmers as well, forcing them to move from contaminated lands.
The film is titled “Lo Demas Es Loma” which Maser said means everything else is wilderness, a Columbian saying that highlights an individual’s pride in his or her city or area.
Maser hopes the film will raise awareness about both the good and bad parts of Columbian life. Home to some of the most famous Salsa dancing in the world, Maser promises the film will include both great dancers and salsa music from the region. He also hopes people come away from the film with a better understanding of how U.S. policies affect the rest of the world.
Journalism instructors Bill Ryan and Gabriela Martinez and Art Department assistant professor Kartz Ucci helped the students produce the documentary. Maser has posted a trailer for the film at: www.uoregon.edu/~amaser/trailer.html.