Movie "Yungay: the earthquake of '70" revives Peruvian tragedy

In the history of Peru, there are events that marked an entire generation and remain etched in the collective memory of the country. One of these events was the 1970 earthquake in Yungay, Áncash, which left an indelible mark on the nation's history. Now, this tragedy is about to be relived on the big screen through the film "Yungay: the 70 earthquake", directed by Peruvian filmmaker Max Castillo and produced by Cordillera Pictures. This feature film aims to honor the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity and showcase the courage of those who survived the catastrophe. In an exclusive interview with the newspaper El Comercio, Max Castillo revealed some details about the creation process of this film inspired by the tragedy of Yungay. The director emphasized the importance of sharing the complete story, not just the earthquake itself, but also the devastating avalanche that buried the town and the impactful consequences it left behind. He also highlighted the need to remember these events to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future. One aspect that has sparked debate around this film is the performance of Flor Castillo, who portrays one of the main characters. In response to criticisms of alleged overacting, the director clarified that the goal was to capture the authenticity of the survivors' emotions, adapting the performances to the reality of what was experienced at that time. Additionally, he denied any suggestion that the film project seeks to profit from the tragedy, emphasizing that its purpose is to pay tribute to the victims and showcase the resilience of the Peruvian people. The challenge of addressing such a sensitive topic as the Yungay earthquake in cinema lies in finding a balance between fiction and reality. The director noted that, while the film is based on real events, it is a work of fiction that aims to respectfully recreate the most impactful moments of the tragedy. Through special effects and 3D reconstruction techniques, the production team strives to convey the magnitude of the disaster and the bravery of those who faced it. The film "Yungay: the 70 earthquake" aims to depict the diversity of experiences lived by the survivors, from tragedy to hope and resilience. Through memorable characters and moving situations, the film seeks to capture the essence of those dark days in Peru's history. Max Castillo stated that his goal is to pay tribute to the strength of the human spirit and highlight people's ability to overcome the worst tragedies. At a time when historical memory is of special importance, films like "Yungay: the 70 earthquake" invite us to reflect on the significance of remembering the events that marked a nation. Through art and cinematic storytelling, the aim is to keep alive the memory of those who lost their lives in this tragedy and offer them a sincere tribute. With its upcoming release in Peruvian cinemas, this film promises to move and make viewers reflect on the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.