Zafari (film)
2024 Venezuelan film
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Zafari is a 2024 dystopian black comedy-drama film[1] co-written, co-produced and directed by Mariana Rondón.[2] It stars Daniela Ramírez, Francisco Denis and Samantha Castillo. The film follows an upper-class family who witness the arrival of a hippopotamus named Zafari, who is the only one with enough food, while they are starving.[3] It is an international co-production between Venezuela, Peru, Mexico, France, Chile, the Dominican Republic and Brazil.[4]
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Marité Ugás
Juliette Lepoutre
Pierre Menahem
Giancarlo Nasi
Sterlyn Ramírez
Mariana Rondón
Rafael Sampaio
Marité Ugas
Cristina Velasco
| Zafari | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Mariana Rondón |
| Written by | Mariana Rondón Marité Ugás |
| Produced by | Jorge Hernandez Aldana Juliette Lepoutre Pierre Menahem Giancarlo Nasi Sterlyn Ramírez Mariana Rondón Rafael Sampaio Marité Ugas Cristina Velasco |
| Starring | Daniela Ramírez Francisco Denis Samantha Castillo |
| Cinematography | Alfredo Altamirano |
| Edited by | Isabela Monteiro de Castro |
| Music by | Pauchi Sasaki |
Production companies | Sudaca Films Paloma Negra Films Still Moving Klaxon Cultura Audiovisual Don Quijote Films Selene Films Artefactos S.F |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 100 minutes |
| Countries | Venezuela Peru Mexico France Chile Dominican Republic Brazil |
| Language | Spanish |
Synopsis
The neighbors witness the arrival of the hippopotamus Zafari at a small zoo. Ana, Edgar, and their son Bruno watch the operation from the windows of their decaying luxury building, now in ruins. Amidst the lack of food, water, and electricity, the family tries to solve everyday problems while thinking of a way to escape. In a world gone wild, Zafari is the only one who still has enough to eat.[5]
Cast
- Daniela Ramírez as Ana
- Francisco Denis as Edgar
- Samantha Castillo as Natalia
- Varek La Rosa as Bruno
- Alí Rondón as Ali
- Beto Benites as Flaco
- Claret Quea as Mataperro
- Juan Carlos Colombo as Francisco
Production
Principal photography took place on location in Lima, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico.[6][7]
Release
The film had its world premiere on September 22, 2024, at the 72nd San Sebastián International Film Festival,[8] then screened on October 27, 2024, at the 48th São Paulo International Film Festival,[9] on March 19, 2025, at the 4th LATcinema Fest,[10] on March 22, 2025, at the 39th Fribourg International Film Festival,[11] on March 23, 2025, at the 37th Toulouse Latin America Film Festival,[12] on July 21, 2025, at the 14th Aegean Film Festival,[13] on August 8, 2025, at the 29th Lima Film Festival,[14] and on August 19, 2025, at the 21st Santiago International Film Festival.[15]
The film was commercially released on August 28, 2025, in Peruvian theaters,[16] and on September 4 of the same year in Venezuelan and Chilean theaters.[17]
Accolades
| Year | Award / Festival | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 72nd San Sebastián International Film Festival | Horizontes Latinos Award | Zafari | Nominated | [18][19] |
| 33rd Biarritz Film Festival | FBAL Award for Feature Film from the French Union of Film Critics | Won | [20] | ||
| 29th International Film Festival of Kerala | Best International Film | Nominated | [7][21] | ||
| 2025 | 39th Fribourg International Film Festival | Grand Prix | Nominated | [22][23] | |
| 42nd Munich International Film Festival | CineRebels Award | Nominated | [24][25] | ||
| 29th Lima Film Festival | Trophy Spondylus | Nominated | [26][27] | ||
| 21st Santiago International Film Festival | Chilean Film Competition - Best Film | Nominated | [28][29] | ||
| Special Mention for Best Film | Won | ||||
| Best Performance | Daniela Ramírez | Won |