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Buladó

Name: Buladó
Director: Eché Janga
Released: 2020
Duration: 86 min

Representation Score

9.1/10

Excellent

2020

Director

Eché Janga

Runtime

86 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Buladó is a nuanced character-driven film that challenges typical Western storytelling by focusing on a Caribbean perspective. It skillfully presents the tension between institutional authority and indigenous spirituality as a catalyst for personal development. The film's strength lies in its critique of Western rationalism. By valuing ancestral connections over modern state-centric logic, it provides a deep look into post-colonial identity and cultural empowerment. While the film excels in racial and cultural representation, it does not provide specific examples of LGBTQ+ or disability inclusion, leading to a balanced overall assessment.

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Category Breakdown

Does Buladó have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any explicit references to LGBTQ+ characters or stories. There is no indication of specific representation or negative stereotypes.

How does Buladó portray gender?

Good

Kenza, a determined young girl, leads the emotional journey of the story. She overcomes traditional feminine roles to pursue her own path.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Buladó?

Excellent

The story focuses on the relationship between a descendant of Curaçao's original inhabitants and the current local community. It highlights non-Anglo-Saxon viewpoints through a localized, anti-colonial perspective.

How does Buladó represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film contrasts modern governance with indigenous spiritual beliefs. Weljo’s bond with the spirit world challenges Western rational thinking by emphasizing ancestral traditions.

Does Buladó include disability representation?

Fair

Although the narrative touches on death and the afterlife, there is no specific depiction of physical or cognitive disabilities.

Present on Screen

Highlights indigenous spirituality and anti-colonial views.
Focuses on a Caribbean perspective that questions Western norms.
Features a strong female protagonist who drives the emotional storyline.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities.
Does not address physical or cognitive disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Headstrong girl Kenza lives with her father Ouira and grandfather Weljo on a car wrecking yard in the countryside of Curaçao. The two men are opposites that don't particularly attract: Ouira is a determined and rational police officer, while Weljo identifies with the original inhabitants and spirituality of the island. As Weljo wishes to prepare his passing to the world of spirits, the relationship between Ouira en Weljo starts to escalate and the eleven-year-old Kenza searches for her own path in-between the two extremes. The down-to-earth and avoidant mentality of Ouira no longer offers her all that she needs and slowly she opens up to the more mystical and comforting traditions of her grandfather.

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