Once Upon a Time in Venezuela

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Once Upon a Time in Venezuela

2020

1h 39m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

95%

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21 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Once prosperous, the village of Congo Mirador now rots away. At the center are two women on opposing sides of Venezuelan politics. As national elections approach, the village contends with corruption, pollution and economic decay.

Todd McCarthy

Deadline Hollywood Daily

The things of life -- family, nature, the environment, education, politics -- all figure prominently in the mix to create an indelible picture of a literal backwater facing devastation. It's both a striking and deeply sorrowful work.

Jan 21, 2021

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Guy Lodge

Variety

"Once Upon a Time in Venezuela" quietly observes Congo Mirador being brought to its knees, to progressively powerful and enraging effect.

Dec 2, 2020

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Jordan Mintzer

The Hollywood Reporter

The film provides an illuminating first-hand account of a country in despair.

Mar 3, 2020

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Joonatan Itkonen

Toisto.net

Like a Greek chorus, a local aging musician sings traditional songs of regret, loss, and hope. He knows they will never be repeated in these parts again. Committing them to film is now the preservation of cultural history.

Rated: 5/5

Jul 14, 2024

Full Review

Erick Estrada

Cinegarage

In spite of its flaws and contradictions, this documentary is an inspired, evoking work. [Full review in Spanish]

Jul 26, 2022

Full Review

Glenn Dunks

The Film Experience

Despite the epic tone of its title, this is rather intimate filmmaking in its early passages, although it soon elevates as the country's national election take center stage.

Sep 9, 2021

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Audience Member

pretty good movie to watch!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/28/24

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Anabel Rodríguez

Director

Anabel Rodríguez

Writer

Claudia Lepage

Executive Producer

Sepp R. Brudermann

Producer

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Synopsis

Once prosperous, the village of Congo Mirador now rots away. At the center are two women on opposing sides of Venezuelan politics. As national elections approach, the village contends with corruption, pollution and economic decay.

Director: Anabel Rodríguez
Producer: Sepp R. Brudermann
Screenwriter: Anabel Rodríguez
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: Spanish
Release Date (Streaming): May 7, 2021
Runtime: 1h 39m