Land and Shade 2016

Alfonso's Decision

Alfonso, an aging farmer, makes the difficult decision to return to his homeland after being away for 17 years. His motivation stems from a desperate need to care for his only son, who is gravely ill, igniting a powerful feeling of duty and sacrifice.

Return to the Land

Upon returning to his homeland, Alfonso is greeted not by the familiar sights of lush fields, but by the devastation caused by sugarcane monoculture. The landscapes he once cherished lie in ruins, marked by the consequences of industrial farming that has ravaged the region.

The Familiar White House

In the midst of the destruction, Alfonso finds a glimmer of familiarity in his humble white house. The only remaining comfort is a solitary bench beneath a towering saman tree, a place that once held memories of peace and connection with his family.

Stranger in His Own Land

As Alfonso navigates his old neighborhood, he confronts the brutal reality that he is now a stranger in his own land. The long absence has severed his ties, and he realizes that his family has moved on without him, waiting no longer for his return.

Alicia's Struggle

Alicia, Alfonso's ex-wife, feels a tumult of emotions upon his return. She has stubbornly held onto her ancestral property, facing the encroaching dangers of the sugarcane fields while grappling with the remnants of their past relationship.

Whispers of Destruction

Alfonso's return reawakens the haunting whispers of destruction that loom over the sugarcane fields. The environment symbolizes both the physical and emotional turmoil, representing the cost of progress that drives a wedge between them.

Rekindling Old Flames

As tension rises, old flames of passion and resentment rekindle between Alfonso and Alicia. Their interactions become charged with nostalgia and unresolved feelings, complicating their efforts to navigate the current crisis.

Race Against Time

Alfonso becomes acutely aware of the precarious situation his family faces. He finds himself racing against time, determined to forge meaningful connections with Alicia and his son before devastation strikes their already broken world.

Confronting the Past

Alfonso's journey forces him to confront the remnants of his past life and the decisions that led him away. He must grapple with his identity and the sacrifices required to help his family face the ongoing threats posed by their environment.

Fragility of Life

The narrative highlights the fragility of life and the delicate balance of memory and identity. Each character struggles to hold onto the remnants of their past while facing the destructive forces of the present day.

Paradox of Progress

Alfonso's plight illustrates the paradoxical notion of progress that plagues his homeland. As he navigates his family's struggles, he learns that what is often labeled as advancement can lead to irreparable loss and devastation.

The Sacrifice

Ultimately, to find redemption, Alfonso and his loved ones must make a significant sacrifice. This pivotal moment becomes an opportunity for them to rebuild their lives and break free from the shadows of despair gripping their home.