Everything I am Not

Everything I Am Not is a short documentary that follows the journey of a young Colombian lawyer and activist who, after being falsely accused of terrorism, survives three years of pretrial incarceration and escapes into exile. She delves into her memories to expose the extent of violence embedded in Colombia’s judicial system—a merciless apparatus employed by the state to suppress dissent and instill fear among the nation’s youth, social leaders, and intellectuals.

Maintaining anonymity throughout the film, she takes us on a voyage through time and space, reconstructing a narrative intertwined with cherished memories, shattered dreams, and unwavering ideals. Her motive is not to unravel the specific plot that led to her incarceration or prove her innocence, but rather to shed light on the profound personal and societal consequences of political persecution, particularly on the younger generation.

Interwoven with poignant family footage, the documentary uncovers glimpses of the protagonist’s material, emotional, and intellectual world, which acquire renewed significance when juxtaposed with present-day images. The intimate moments captured on film transcend the individual, giving shape to a vivid portrait of a region ensnared in political violence and a nation slowly forging its path towards peace.

Everything I Am Not is more than a personal account of forced absence, exile, and resilience; it is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of countless Latin American women, whose physical, intellectual, and symbolic strength perseveres despite all adversities. Through this film, their stories of rebellion and collective resilience are amplified.

  • Hot Docs CrossCurrents Dev Fund 2023
  • When East Meets West coproduction forum 2023
  • Mecal 2023 (Barcelona International Short and Animation Film Festival) – Pitching sessions and International Short Film Market
  • Acció Curts Pitching Program 2023
team

Direction and Screenplay
Laura Dauden

Director of Photography
Miguel Angel Herrera

Producers
Laura Dauden and Miguel Angel Herrera

countries

Colombia

genre

Documentary

runtime

15′