Watch at Home 11.28.2025

The Colors of the Mountain

Directed by Carlos César Arbeláez
Film Movement
2010
93 Minutes
Colombia
Spanish
Coming of Age, Latin American, Drama
Not Rated
  1. Home
  2. In Theaters
  3. The Colors of the Mountain

Young Manuel lives with his hard-working farmer parents in the remote, mountainous region of the Colombian countryside. While the adults in their lives try to avoid both the armed military and the guerrilla rebels fighting each other in the area, Manuel and his friend Julián are obsessed with playing soccer any chance they get. Shortly after his birthday, the new ball Manuel received as a gift gets kicked off to a minefield, and he, Julián and their albino friend Poca Luz will do everything in their power to recover their prized belonging—an essential part of their everyday lives and dreams.

Director & Cast

  • Director: Carlos César Arbeláez
  • Starring: Hernán Mauricio Ocampo
  • Starring: Nolberto Sánchez
  • Starring: Genaro Aristizábal

Where to Watch

Trailer

Photos

Reviews

  • "Moving, funny, poignant and insightful...a powerful debut!"
    Mark Adams, Screen International
  • "A soccer ball marooned in a minefield is the central image of Carlos César Arbeláez’s quietly assured debut feature film...."
    Rachel Saltz, The New York Times
  • "[A] poetic and striking experience. "
    Chuck Bowen, Slant Magazine
  • "Powerful portrait of how civil war transforms the lives of children in a Colombian farm community from a carefree existence to one of fear and growing up too fast."
    Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality & Practice
  • "Shot almost entirely from the children's perspective, Arbelez tackles universal themes of conflict and its impact on ordinary people without getting mired in specific politics."
    Amber Wilkinson, Eye for Film
  • "Everything about The Colors of the Mountain is understated, but understated in such a way that the skillful omissions strewn throughout never jar, but serve only to deepen the pull of the narrative."
    Pedro Fernández, Ion Cinema
  • "Stunning natural scenery conjures a sense of space and freedom that contrasts powerfully with the increasingly narrow options of its inhabitants."
    Jonathan Holland, Variety
Winner
New Directors Award San Sebastian Int'l Film Festival
Winner
Audience Award
Cartagena Film Festival
Winner
Audience Award
The Ronda Int'l Film Festival
Official Selection
Rome Int’l Film Festival
Official Selection
Stockholm Int’l Film Festival
Official Selection
Fribourg International Film Festival
Official Selection
Santa Barbara Int’l Film Festival
Official Selection
Portland Int’l Film Festival
Official Selection
Miami Int’l Film Festival
Official Selection
Cleveland Int'l Film Festival
Official Selection
Sarasota Film Festival
Official Selection
San Francisco Int’l Film Festival