?What runs through your veins? is a Colombian film written, directed and produced by Felipe Vallejo (Straitjacket, Bragi and the short film Al interior). Produced by Nena Belén, it opens this Thursday the 23rd in cinemas in Colombia.
“The idea of making this film came to me in a parking lot ten years ago in the middle of shopping, where I saw several tunnels and roads. I took the risk of making an unexpected film, in a very short time and with a limited budget”, expressed Vallejo.
The action film, which was also produced by Diana Ramos, tells how the ambition of money leads Hollywood (Emmanuel Esparza) and a team of artists to make one last hit: they steal a precious stone that is behind the doors. The love market will however cross the path of Hollywood and develop a tragedy.
Several scenes in the film show chased, fights, shootings and other action sequences that are not common in Colombian cinema and brought Vallejo to the big screen with high quality.
The film was shot over four weeks in Ibagué in central-western Colombia. In its cast, in addition to Esparza, there are Lina Restrepo, Jhoffer Racines, Diana Mendoza, Luis Fernando Salas and Marco Tostado.
“The proposal was taken up ten years ago by Felipe Vallejo, my friend, and who fought against all odds to film it. This movie is 100% action, the kind that is difficult to do in Colombia, but that will surprise and turn the country’s cinemas”, Esparza stated.
The filing took place at the beginning of 2021 in Ibagué, where he had the support of various institutions in the region such as the Metropolitan Police, the Municipal Mayor’s Office and the Mercacentro supermarket. In addition, production took place with thirty-three hundred people who wanted to work for four weeks, with the difficulties and restrictions of the pandemic.
“The first complicated part of making a film is producing it, shooting it is very easy. The production is financed with the film law 814. It is surprising, it helps a lot to be able to pay it money, which gives tax, otherwise it would be impossible,” Vallejo said.
The film featuring the participation of Andrés Cepeda, Colombian singer and composer, with the song ¿Qué corre por tus venas?, is available on digital platforms.
