The film 'Chuzalongo' demonstrated that there is interest in Ecuadorian productions, by staying for eight weeks in the movie billboards and exceed 20,000 tickets sold. Is the most viewed Ecuadorian film of 2024, because it has also been through several national and foreign festivals, and is the national horror production highest grossing in the history of the country.
Not bad for a film that, a priori, could have been perceived as very local, due to its mountain landscapes (it was recorded in sectors of Cayambe and Otalavo), for the use of Kichwa and for being based on a distinctly Andean legend like the Chuzalongo, of which, in addition, there are many even more particular versions. And the title could also have been a problem.
But the opposite happened, which is very satisfying. to the Ecuadorian director and screenwriter Diego Ortuñowho is preparing to take his 'Chuzalongo' to Peru, which should be released in 2025, and to Spain. And the preambles have already begun to negotiate so that the film reaches the streaming platforms.
Ortuño reflects that the film was released when Ecuador was in the midst of a power outage crisis and that had caused a drop in general morale. But the photography, the universal approach of an Ecuadorian story and the actors, many belonging to indigenous communities, positively influenced the spirit of the audience.
That “how cool to see my country, my people!” became a cash word of mouth which explains the success of the second half of the time on billboards, because before there was a promotional campaign that generated expectations and that contributed to starting the screenings with the public.
There are expectations for the premiere in Peru, the co-producing country of 'Chuzalongo', which stars Bruno Odar, Very beloved Peruvian actor. And, although the legend is not known in that country, the plot, located At the end of the 19th century and at the beginning of the Liberal Revolution, It is easily understandable for that audience. Well, it is for all audiences with troubles between conservatives and liberals in your past!
Ortuño, who has invested time in a long process of research and writing, opted for the version that Chuzalongo could have been a child who feeds on blood. And he decided to place it in the 19th century to highlight the fantasy and suspense with the absence of electric light.
And the fact of crossing the legend with the Liberal Revolution fit perfectly, since 'Chuzalongo' touches on themes such as religion and racism, issues from those times that are still fully relevant today.
'Chuzalongo', still in theaters, also features performances by Wolframio Sinué, Karla Gómez, Fernando Bacilio and Alex Cisneros, among others. The child is embodied by Gael Ortuño, director's son
