Che Guevara comes alive: Interview with Fernando Vergas Villazon

Fernando Vergas Villazon talked to Danie Jacobs, arts and culture reporter of the Klerksdorp Record, about his first feature film and the City of Durban.

The Bolivian film, Say good morning to dad (Di buen dia a papa), made a good impression on the Durban crowds during the 27 th Durban International Film Festival.
Fernando was present at the screenings of his first feature film and the crowds loved it.
The film is very long. Why? "Time passes slowly in Bolivia."
You said the actors are the residents of the town. Comment? "I used the people of Vallegrande to star in the film. They loved it and they did it so well because Che Guevara is so dear to them."
Is he seen as a new Messiah? "He is more of a spirit and he became such a hero beause he died before his time."
How was your film received in Bolivia and at other film festivals? "It had a good reception in Bolivia and was shown at Montreal, Biarritz, Goa and Santa Barbera."
What is more important? Winning awards or art? "Definitely the art of a movie."
Your impressions of Durban? "I am fascinated by this city and this country. It's my first time in Africa. Bolivia is a landlocked country and Durban has the ocean. It's so beautiful."
Impressions of the film festival? "I'm impressed by the number of films and the variety."
What is your highlights? "The African films, because they are not shown in Bolivia."
Your next film? "I'm working on a film about pre-Columbian paintings that are stolen from small villages. I hope that it will be shown at one of the forthcoming Durban film festivals."



Fernando Vergas Villazon in the foyer of The Royal Hotel in Durban. (Fernando Vergas Villazon.jpg)