by Gary M. Kramer, Staff Writer

The Dog Thief
Written and Directed by Vinko Tomičić Salinas
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The Dog Thief is a compelling character study of Martin (Franklin Aro), a teenager who struggles in school and in life. He lives in the house of a family friend and shines shoes in a square in La Paz to earn money. One of his clients is the Mr. Novoa (Alfredo Castro), an elegant tailor. As Martin slowly befriends Mr. Novoa he conspires with a friend to steal the tailor’s dog, Astor, and return it for ransom money. However, Martin’s plan is complicated as he becomes a kind of surrogate son to Mr. Novoa following Astor’s “disappearance.” The relationship creates unexpected emotions in Martin, an orphan looking to be adopted. The Dog Thief addresses themes of guilt and belonging as Martin appreciates spending time with Mr. Novoa playing pool, attending a theatrical performance, or eating or working together. But the tension hangs in the air—will Mr. Novoa discover Martin’s scheme? And what is Martin’s ulterior motive given Mr. Novoa’s generosity? More importantly, will Astor be OK?

Writer-director Vinko Tomicic’s modest drama is a simple but bittersweet tale, and newcomer Franklin Aro gives a suitably moody performance that is well matched by Alfred Castro’s subtle underplaying. The Dog Thief is an authentic and affecting drama.  

Don’t You Let Me Go
Written and Directed by Ana Guevara, Leticia Jorge
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Don’t You Let Me Go is a lovely, poignant drama from Uruguay about love and loss. In the first act, writer/directors Ana Guevara and Leticia Jorge immerse viewers in an extended sequence where friends and family gather to pay respects to the late Elena (Victoria Jorge). The film practically eavesdrops on the characters, creating a kind of intimacy that makes viewers want to know the deceased. And then the filmmakers give them that opportunity. Acts 2 and 3 shift the narrative into a hangout film, where Adela (Chiara Hourcade) and Luci (Ea Dans) spend time with Elena at a country house. A voiceover recounts the deep friendship between Adela and Elena; episodes depict a possible break in at the house, or Luci’s young child going missing. But the tone of Don’t You Let Me Go is wistful and elegiac. As the young women dance to music, or create and eat a sandwich, it is the organic, everyday moments that resonate. So when this short (74-minute) film delivers a magical realist ending, it feels like the most appropriate payoff. 

Pirópolis
Directed by Nicolás Molina
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The observational documentary, Pirópolis, chronicles the brotherhood of volunteer firemen in Valparaíso, Chile. Director Nicolás Molina showcases scenes of the brigade training and on the job, and watching the men fight real fires is exciting and oddly beautiful. There is drama as the men try to extinguish the flames, or helicopters are called in to drop water on a forest fire to help put it out. Molina often features images of smoke, flames, or water, and shots of the aftermath of a fire are interesting to see as well. Pirópolis also includes intimate moments of the men bonding over a meal, or with their firehouse dog. Two women join the brigade—the first—and a bathroom and shower are built by the men especially for these new volunteers. However, this slight film does not provide enough insight into the lives of its subjects to be fully engaging and save for the political backdrop influencing a riot in the city, there is little context for some of the scenes, which can make for frustrating viewing. Nevertheless, Pirópolis is an interesting snapshot of these men and women who do dangerous and necessary work.