Colombian cinema is celebrating following the announcement that the film La Supremainspired by the life of boxer Antonio Cervantes “Kid Pambelé,” has been selected to represent the country at the prestigious Oscars and Goya Awards in 2025. Directed by Felipe Holguín Cano, the film has shined at international festivals such as Toronto, Havana and Rio de Janeiro, attracting worldwide attention.
Inspired by true events, La Suprema tells the story of Laureana, a young Afro-Colombian girl who dreams of becoming a boxer. Set in a rural village with no electricity or televisions, Laureana and her community face a major challenge: how to watch her uncle’s world championship fight live, which will be broadcast on television. The film explores themes of perseverance, hope and collective struggle, presenting a moving narrative that has resonated with audiences around the world.
The film’s journey to international acclaim began on the small sidewalk La Supremain María la Baja, Bolívar. It not only addresses Laureana’s life and struggles, but also celebrates Colombia’s rich cultural heritage. Music plays a crucial role in the film, with the famous bullerengue singer Pabla Flórez González, who in addition to contributing to the soundtrack, plays Laureana’s grandmother. This fusion of traditional music with a modern cinematic narrative enriches the experience for viewers, offering a window into life in rural Colombia.
The film’s success is due to its strong narrative, cultural elements and its ability to address deep social issues. The project had a budget of $1.3 billion Colombian pesos and was shot in 18 days with a crew of 150 people. La Suprema has already won several awards at international festivals, including Best Feature Film at the Ibero-American Film Festival in Huelva, Spain, and the Audience Award at the Cartagena International Film Festival.
The nomination of La Suprema for the Oscar and Goya Awards has generated great pride in Colombia. Cartagena’s Institute of Heritage and Culture expressed its admiration on social networks with the message, “We celebrate with immense pride that La Suprema has been selected to represent Colombia at the Oscar and Goya Awards! Congratulations to the entire team behind this incredible achievement!”
The film not only highlights the story of one young girl, but reflects the broader struggle of marginalized communities in Colombia. Director Felipe Holguín Cano described the film as a “testament to the resilience of small towns that often go unnoticed, but remain hopeful in the face of adversity.”
With the Oscar Awards scheduled for March 2, 2025, and the Goya Awards for February 8, 2025, La Suprema will compete with other Latin American and international productions. However, the success it has had internationally gives a promising outlook. Whether or not it wins the top awards, La Suprema has already secured a place in the hearts of audiences and critics around the world.
