Colombia in My Arms (original Spanish title: Colombia fue nuestra) is a powerful documentary film that explores the Colombian peace process following more than five decades of armed conflict. Directed by Jenni Kivistö and Jussi Rastas, the documentary brings together multiple perspectives — from former combatants to political figures — to present a nuanced and deeply human look at a nation striving for reconciliation. In this article, we break down the film’s awards, key contributors, themes, where to watch it, and personal reflections on its impact.
About Colombia in My Arms (Colombia fue nuestra)
To begin with, this first film we review on our blog Miravecolombia.com, which supposedly deals with Colombia, is not Colombian, since although it was filmed in Colombia, it was produced by Finland, France, Norway, and Denmark. However, the film is a documentary, lasts 91 minutes, was released in 2020, and has won numerous awards.
Before we start talking about the film, here is a brief synopsis based on the prologue. “Colombia fue nuestra” or “Colombia in My Arms” in English is a documentary that delves into the heart of a country marked by decades of armed conflict, but also by persistent hope. Through intimate testimonies and tension-filled scenes, the film portrays the peace process between the Colombian government and the FARC, revealing the human complexities behind politics. It is not just a historical chronicle: it is a profound look into the soul of a nation seeking reconciliation with itself.
Awards and recognition of Colombia in My Arms
As we mentioned earlier, “Colombia fue nuestra” is a 2020 documentary. It was directed by Jenni Kivistö and Jussi Rastas and has been recognized at various international festivals. Below are some of the awards and nominations it has received:
International festivals and awards
Göteborg Film Festival: Best Nordic Documentary 2020.
Balneário Camboriú International Film Festival: Golden Owl Award for Best Feature Film 2020.
Films from the South (Oslo): Best Documentary 2020.
Sucre International Human Rights Film Festival: International Eye Award.
HumanDOC International Documentary Film Festival: Special Award.
Naples Human Rights Film Festival: Award from the Italian Federation of Film Clubs – Human Rights Doc 2020.
Naples Human Rights Film Festival: Special Mention- Human Rights Doc 2020.
FIGRA (International Festival of Current Affairs Reporting and Social Documentary): Special Mention.
FIGRA: Aïna Roger ESJ Lille Award.
Râsnov Film and Histories Festival: Special Mention.
Ícaro Festival: Honorable Mention.
Nominations:
São Paulo International Film Festival: New Directors Competition.
SEMINCI (Valladolid International Film Festival): History Time Competition.
These awards and nominations highlight the importance and impact that the documentary has had in the international film industry.
Directors and participants of the documentary
“Colombia in my arms” is a documentary directed by Jenni Kivistö and Jussi Rastas, who also wrote the script. The soundtrack was composed by Povl Kristian, while Jussi Rastas was responsible for cinematography.
The documentary features various figures, including Ernesto, a former FARC combatant; former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos; Pacho; Democratic Center Party Congresswoman María Fernanda Cabal; Tamarón Benjamin; Óscar Naranjo Trujillo; and Kurt W. Tidd.
Story and themes in Colombia in My Arms
The film deals with a possible peace process after 52 years of armed conflict, as the FARC guerrilla group is willing to lay down its arms in order to take action to benefit the most disadvantaged people.
But if the world today is polarized, will it be possible to find harmony in Colombia in order to achieve peace?
Will the Colombian FARC guerrilla group really lay down its arms in exchange for access to politics and greater opportunities for social inclusion for the poorest?
Ernesto is part of this reality. The peace agreement in Colombia, acclaimed by many, places him in a divided society mired in uncertainty. While some live in fear, others harbor hope for change.
Peace process and FARC in the documentary
The peace agreement signed in 2016 between the Colombian government and the FARC established that the guerrilla group would lay down its arms in exchange for participation in politics and social inclusion programs for communities affected by the conflict.
In practice, the FARC effectively handed over thousands of weapons and largely demobilized, transforming itself into a political party (Comunes). However, implementation of the agreement has been complex. Some former combatants have been killed, reintegration has not been easy, and dissident groups that did not accept the agreement remain armed. In addition, the social development promised to the most affected communities has progressed slowly.
Trailer and interviews about Colombia in My Arms
Below is the trailer for this interesting documentary film that is sure to grab your attention:
English subtitled trailer
Movie trailer for the documentary film “Colombia in My Arms”.
If you liked the trailer for “Colombia fue Nuestra” and would like to gain a deeper insight into the making of the documentary, you can watch the following interview with directors Jenni Kivistö and Jussi Rastas:
Interview with the directors
Interview with Jenni Kivistö and Jussi Rastas, directors of “Colombia in my Arms“.
Where to watch Colombia in My Arms
We can watch Colombia in My Arms on our personal computer, whether it’s a desktop or laptop, mobile phone (cell phone), or on our Smart TV, as it is available on one of the most affordable video platforms, Prime Video.
Personal opinion on Colombia in My Arms
The ideas of changing the social order and class struggle in a polarized world fascinate me. All human beings have expectations. For some, it means having adequate housing, a fair wage, good health, and a dignified life. For others, it is about enjoying luxuries and depending on the efforts of others.
More interesting articles on our Hispanic Colombian Blog | For more information about the film, see the article on Wikipedia.