Valledupar’s Marines Films Opens Doors to Local filmmakers with Free “Cine Upar: Local Short Films” Initiative
In the heart of Valledupar, a city renowned for its vibrant vallenato music culture, Marines Films is carving out a new space for cinematic creativity. The local movie theater is offering filmmakers from the regions of Cesar, La Guajira, and Magdalena a unique platform to showcase their work through the “Cine Upar: Local Short Films” initiative. This program invites aspiring directors, regardless of their background or experience, to present their short films, stop-motion projects, or school productions to the Vallenato public—free of charge.
Óscar Alvarado, manager of Marines Films, explains the vision behind this initiative: “In that sense of showing Colombian films, we are creating a strip called ‘Local Shorts’. Those who want to screen their short films, come and attend the room; they sit in the room and, once the short film is finished, that director will be subject to questions and he will tell us what the story was like, how that short film was made. When that happens, entry is free. What we’re really interested in is that there’s a cinema dynamic so that, in the process, they get to know the theater and who’s making films in the city and the region.”
This year, the initiative kicked off with the screening of “El Ratonauta”, a short film by director Andrew tucker and Vallenato filmmaker José Adán Ramírez.The film tells the whimsical story of an astronaut mouse used by Colombian astronauts in a bid to conquer space. Ramírez, who began his filmmaking journey at the El Carmelo school in Valledupar, was pleasantly surprised by the turnout. “I didn’t think the room would be full,” he admitted after the screening.
Alvarado emphasizes that the goal of Marines Films is to demonstrate that Valledupar’s cultural identity is not only rooted in music but also in cinema. “What we want this year is for everyone who makes films with cell phones or cameras to step forward, regardless of age or background,” he says. The initiative is designed to be inclusive, welcoming filmmakers from all walks of life—whether they are students, hobbyists, or professionals.
“This is inclusive; not just those who made their careers as film directors or social media. the person who is going to show his short film is not just a student; today we see that there are MinTIC calls with cell phones. The invitation is for anyone who has a short film of any length: one minute, five or fifteen minutes, and who wants to screen it and be present in the room. Contact us at marines Films movie theater; this is the place. Your friends, family and audience are invited; that entry is free. What we want is a distribution between those who make films with cell phones or professional cameras and the room and the audience,” Alvarado elaborated.
This initiative is more than just a screening opportunity—it’s a celebration of local talent and a call to action for aspiring filmmakers. By providing a platform for creators to share their work, Marines Films is fostering a dynamic cinema culture in Valledupar and beyond.
To participate, filmmakers are encouraged to follow marines Films on their social media channels for submission details and screening schedules. This is a chance to bring your stories to life, connect with an audience, and be part of a growing cinematic movement in the region.
| Key Details: “Cine Upar: Local Short Films” |
|————————————————|
| Location | Marines Films, Valledupar |
| Eligibility | filmmakers from Cesar, La Guajira, and magdalena |
| Submission | short films, stop-motion, or school productions |
| Cost | Free of charge |
| Contact | Follow marines Films on social media for details |
Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your creativity and contribute to the vibrant film culture of Valledupar. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out,Marines Films is the place to share your story.
By: Katlin Navarro Luna/ EL PILÓN
Exploring Valledupar’s Cinematic Renaissance: A Conversation with Filmmaking Expert Sofia Ramirez
Table of Contents
In the heart of Valledupar, a city celebrated for its vibrant vallenato music culture, a new wave of cinematic creativity is taking root. Marines Films, a local movie theater, has launched the “Cine Upar: Local Short Films” initiative, offering filmmakers from Cesar, La Guajira, and Magdalena a platform to showcase their work. This inclusive program invites aspiring directors of all backgrounds to present their short films, stop-motion projects, or school productions to the public—free of charge. To delve deeper into this initiative, we sat down with Sofia Ramirez, a filmmaking expert and advocate for regional cinema, to discuss its impact and meaning.
The Vision Behind “Cine Upar: Local short Films”
Senior Editor: Sofia, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with the vision behind this initiative. What makes “Cine Upar” such a groundbreaking program for Valledupar and the surrounding regions?
Sofia Ramirez: Thank you for having me. What’s truly remarkable about “Cine Upar” is its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. Marines Films, under the leadership of Óscar Alvarado, is creating a space where anyone with a story to tell can share it with an audience.This isn’t just about showcasing polished, professional films—it’s about fostering a dynamic cinema culture where aspiring filmmakers, irrespective of their experience or resources, can participate. By offering free screenings and encouraging dialog between directors and audiences, they’re building a community around cinema.
Breaking Barriers for Aspiring Filmmakers
Senior Editor: The initiative seems to break down many barriers for aspiring filmmakers. can you elaborate on how it empowers creators from diverse backgrounds?
Sofia Ramirez: Absolutely. One of the most inspiring aspects of “Cine Upar” is its openness to all forms of filmmaking. Whether you’re a student experimenting with stop-motion animation, a hobbyist shooting on your phone, or a seasoned director with professional equipment, your work has a place here. This inclusivity is crucial because it democratizes the filmmaking process. It sends a powerful message: you don’t need expensive gear or formal training to tell a compelling story. All you need is creativity and the courage to share your vision.
The Role of Community engagement
Senior Editor: Community engagement seems to be a cornerstone of this initiative. How does the interaction between filmmakers and audiences enhance the experience?
Sofia Ramirez: The post-screening Q&A sessions are a brilliant addition. They transform the experience from a passive viewing into an active dialogue. When a director explains their creative process or the inspiration behind their film, it deepens the audience’s connection to the work.It also provides invaluable feedback for the filmmaker, helping them grow and refine their craft. This exchange fosters a sense of community and mutual appreciation, which is essential for nurturing a sustainable film culture.
Celebrating Local Talent and Cultural Identity
Senior Editor: Valledupar is often associated with its rich musical heritage. How does “Cine Upar” contribute to expanding the city’s cultural identity to include cinema?
Sofia Ramirez: Valledupar’s identity is deeply rooted in vallenato music, but “Cine Upar” is proving that the city has much more to offer culturally. By spotlighting local filmmakers and their stories, the initiative is broadening the narrative of what it means to be from this region. It’s showing that Valledupar is not just a hub for music but also a fertile ground for cinematic creativity. This diversification of cultural expression is vital for the city’s growth and global recognition.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Regional Cinema
senior Editor: What do you see as the long-term impact of initiatives like “Cine Upar” on regional cinema in Colombia?
Sofia Ramirez: Initiatives like “Cine Upar” have the potential to spark a cinematic renaissance in regions frequently enough overlooked by the mainstream film industry. By providing a platform for local voices, they’re nurturing a new generation of storytellers who can bring fresh perspectives to Colombian cinema. over time, this coudl lead to a more diverse and inclusive film landscape, where stories from all corners of the country are celebrated. It’s an exciting time for regional cinema, and Valledupar is leading the way.
How to Get Involved
Senior Editor: For our readers who are inspired by this initiative, how can they participate or support “Cine Upar”?
Sofia Ramirez: If you’re a filmmaker from Cesar, La Guajira, or Magdalena, I encourage you to submit your work to Marines Films. Follow their social media channels for submission guidelines and screening schedules. Even if you’re not a filmmaker, you can support this movement by attending the screenings, engaging with the directors, and spreading the word. The more people who participate, the stronger this cinematic community will become.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Sofia, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that “Cine Upar” is more than just a film initiative—it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and cultural identity.
Sofia Ramirez: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to see how this initiative continues to grow and inspire filmmakers across the region.
by: Katlin Navarro luna / EL PILÓN
