Even the Rain - Tambien La Lluvia (1:45) 2011

Even the Rain opens Friday in New York but thanks to the Yale Humanities Center there was a screening of this fantastic movie tonight. Even the Rain is a film about making a film. Sebastian, the director and Costas, the producer arrive in Bolivia to shoot a movie about Christopher Columbus as seen through the eyes of the missionaries that accompanied him on his voyages. The movie about Columbus is a retelling, one in which the exploitation of the natives is highlighted. Yet, the producer has chosen Bolivia since they can hire extras willing to work long hours for two dollars a day. When the cast is not shooting, the natives are protesting a water tax of 450 dollars per year. Since most families earn 40 dollars a month, the element that is required to sustain life will become be cost prehibitative. The protest becomes violent and there is property destruction and injury to the locals. The crew as onlookers who are torn by the protest, they understand that access to water is a basic right but the filming of the movie is endangered by the desruption happening all around them. Does the crew stay or do they leave? Do they help or ignore those in need? This is a must see movie - I beleive at this time next year, Even the Rain will be in contention for an Oscar for Best Foreign Picture.