Colombian director Carlos Vargas’ debut ERA OCULTA – HIDDEN ERA is a snapshot of the lives of Phambi, a struggling Rastafari painter, and his two feminist friends in Mozambique.
We observe him creating and trying to sell his paintings in order to put together the money for his son’s school. We also follow sisters Paula and Ednora as they pose for him, take classes in women’s rights, and participate in protests.
While the film includes some good looking shots, the simplistic cinematography, plot, dialogue, and acting are all underwhelming. I liked the use of music by The Caretaker and being able to take a trip through a part of the world not often seen on film, but wish Era Oculta had more to offer.
