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A Matter of Faith

Name: A Matter of Faith
Director: Marcos Loayza
Released: 1995
Duration: 89 min

Representation Score

5.8/10

Fair

1995

Director

Marcos Loayza

Runtime

89 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Marcos Loayza’s film is a nuanced study of regionalism and the decentralization of power in Bolivia. It succeeds by moving away from standardized global clichés to explore local social dynamics and the friction between different geographic regions. The film's strength lies in its cultural and ethnic framework. By allowing regional populations to reclaim ability to act over a sacred symbol, the narrative challenges the hierarchy of religious institutions in favor of a pluralistic understanding of faith. However, the film lacks visibility regarding modern identity markers. There is no discernible representation of LGBTQ+ identities or characters with disabilities, leaving these aspects of diversity unaddressed.

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Category Breakdown

Does A Matter of Faith have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any explicit references to LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. The story revolves around the journey of a sacred icon and the interactions between travelers and local populations.

How does A Matter of Faith portray gender?

Fair

The plot centers on the movement of a sacred image, which serves as an icon rather than a character with ability to act. There is no clear indication of how human characters navigate gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Matter of Faith?

Excellent

The film excels by depicting the movement between the Altiplano and the Yungas. It highlights the ability to act of indigenous and regional populations, disrupting a monolithic view of national identity.

How does A Matter of Faith represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story critiques religious institutionalism by favoring local community needs over centralized authority. It concludes with a negotiated settlement that integrates the sacred object into a regional context.

Does A Matter of Faith include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information available regarding the representation of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

High levels of ethnic and regional representation through the Altiplano and Yungas settings.
Strong cultural critique that deconstructs religious institutionalism in favor of local ability to act.
A narrative structure that disrupts monolithic national identities by highlighting regional nuances.

Limited or Absent

Lack of visible LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships.
Insufficient evidence of gendered ability to act or the subversion of traditional gender hierarchies.
No representation of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Cuestión de fe es un largometraje producido en Bolivia en 1995, dirigida por Marcos Loayza. En esta película participa Jorge Ortiz y Elías Serrano. La película trata de una imagen sagrada que debe ser trasladada por encargo desde una región altiplánica hacia el oriente del país. Pero durante el viaje, la virgen es robada en uno de los pueblos de las regiones andinas y llevado a la región de los Yungas, los protagonistas tratan de recuperar la imagen sagrada, pero al final, llegan a un acuerdo con los pobladores en los Yungas y la imagen se queda en un pueblo de dicha región.

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