Once Upon a Time in Venezuela

In the heart of Venezuela, amidst the vibrant beauty of the Great Lakes region, a community's way of life is under threat. Elder Yolanda Diaz, a lifelong resident, fights to preserve the traditions and the natural environment from the encroaching influence of oil extraction and corruption. As she navigates political turmoil and environmental decay, her story becomes a microcosm of Venezuela's broader struggle for identity and survival.

Once Upon a Time in Venezuela received critical acclaim for its intimate portrayal of a community facing profound societal and environmental challenges. Reviewers praised its poetic cinematography and powerful storytelling, highlighting the resilience of its subjects in the face of adversity. The documentary was recognized for its timely exploration of political and ecological crises in Venezuela.

• A visually stunning and emotionally resonant exploration of environmental and political decay.

• Features compelling performances from its real-life subjects, highlighting their strength and dignity.

• Effectively captures the beauty of Venezuela while starkly depicting its struggles.

Google audience: Google users largely praised the film's powerful depiction of the Venezuelan crisis and its human impact. Many commended the director's sensitive approach and the subjects' resilience, noting the film's emotional depth and important message.

World Premiere at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival; Awarded Best Documentary at the 2020 Seattle International Film Festival.

The film's cinematography captures the stark contrast between the natural beauty of Venezuela's Lake Maracaibo and the environmental degradation caused by decades of oil extraction.