And now, from the District School
José María Root,
the following gentlemen I call out will also be serving our blessed nation.
Galeano, Hernán.
Mora, Mario.
Pabón, Gustavo.
Another option is to pull a Muhammad Ali and not show up.
You can claim conscientious objection, right?
Not even Ali, a world champion, could avoid jail for that reason.
Well, man, it's avoiding jail
or ending up crazy, or worse, dead.
We could also pool money.
We'll talk to the Acuñas and pay for military freedom.
-Mm. Good idea. -Yes, I can get the money.
-Yes, yeah. -It's too late, brother. No.
That… that was before the exam.
Those… guys were pretty clear about that.
There's always the option of fleeing the country.
You can go to Venezuela or the United States, right?
-Yes! -You have family there?
Yes, my aunt Rosa Elvira is in the United States.
Why would I go to the United States? No.
No, no, no, no. I'm not gonna do anything.
I'll accept whatever comes my way.
I don't want to get you all in trouble either.
If fate decides that… that I have to do military service, then I'll do it.
That's it.
I've been through worse, and I'm not
backing down now.
EVA LASTING
"ON PHOTOGRAPHY" EPISODE 3
At school, the farewell rituals had begun.
The first one was the yearbook.
As is our tradition,
we are going to take the mural and the yearbook photo
of the senior-year students.
Nice!
Whoo! About time!
That is an activity that should have already been organized
by the representative of the Student Council.
-Ah, what a surprise. -What? Go fuck yourselves!
-I can't do it all alone. -Respect, Quiñonez.
Since we are pressed for time,
we'll coordinate it from the principal's office.
So here's the plan.
The photo session is scheduled for next Wednesday
at the school's facilities.
-Gentlemen must come in a suit and tie. -Nice.
Ladies, please make sure to make an appointment with the salon.
-Ladies, stop by the salon. -Are you the boyfriend, or what?
-Yes, Miss Samper? -It's Eva, and I have a question.
Are our best dresses and a visit to the hairdresser required,
or are they optional?
Well, there's nothing about that in the rules.
Stop it, Eva. You just wanna mess around.
-Hmm. -But why?
It feels hypocritical
that in the photos that will be displayed at José María and in the yearbook,
we'll all end up posing and dressed up as something we're not.
So what, then? Should we come in our pajamas, or what?
That's not a bad idea.
Yes, I bet… Dr. Alicia will be… happy as hell, right?
No, come on, guys. This is serious.
You have to understand that photography isn't innocent.
It always carries a social and ideological weight.
And if we start playing the game of poses and appearances,
the only thing we'll achieve is validating the system
and its strategies of manipulation, social control, and abuse of power.
Sure.
Frankly, I didn't understand shit of what you said. Not anything.
Did you get that from a book, or what?
Yes. On photography. It's an essay by the critic Susan Sontag.
You should read it.
Don't be so stupid!
Hey, dude, what if I'm interested?
-Gimme that. -Okay, Eva.
I get what you're saying, and it seems interesting,
but we have to remember that this might be our only chance
to dress up in a suit and tie.
But is it really that important, to the point of betraying yourselves?
Or what?
This time, no one agreed with Eva,
and we all got ready,
dressing up and posing for the mural as tradition demanded.
Mr. Tailor, let me help you out with that.
Besides, as Arbeláez had said,
this was the only chance we had to add a suit to our wardrobe,
something of vital importance for life after school.
So betraying ourselves, in this case, was totally worth it.
The suit, being the only one,
represented an effort within the struggling economies
of the families of students at José María.
Yes, yes, yes.
And because of that, it had to last its owner for a long time.
So, just like with the shoes, it was bought two sizes too big.
That's the reason, in the murals of district schools,
including José María,
the students look like they're wearing…borrowed garments.
Hey!
Oh no, Eva.
So now? What are you gonna do?
I don't know.
I don't know. I don't know.
I swear, I've thought about it a million times, but I just… I don't know.
This looks pretty serious.
Very.
But…
-I don't know. I… -Hello!
Hello?
-What's up? -What's up?
What is it?
All fine?
Yes.
-Ah. -Uh, how did it go?
Fine, we were at the park,
but… we had to come back in because it was too cold.
-And you two? -Uh-huh.
Nothing. Fine. We're here, studying.
What is it? Did I come at a bad time, or what?
No. Not at all.
Eva?
-Hmm? -How are you?
Are you crying?
You haven't told me why you were crying.
No?
Wasn't it obvious that you were crying? Really?
Plus, there was a telegram.
-Who was it? -No, Camilo.
I'd really rather we don't talk about this.
Seriously.
Is it that serious?
No. No, Camilo.
Thanks.
But, you know, some things are more complicated than we'd like.
And… and I really don't wanna drag you into my problems.
-It's not worth it. -Your problems are also my problems.
That's why we are, uh…
Well…
I…
I don't know what we are exactly.
We're friends.
Mm. Just friends?
Friends don't normally do what we do to each other.
I don't think you're out there kissing Arbeláez or Salcedo.
We're friends with benefits.
Friends with benefits?
Was what I had imagined going to become a reality?
What do you mean "friends with benefits"?
Yes.
We're more than friends, but less than a couple.
Okay, and why can't we just be a couple, then?
Because I don't want to.
And I can't commit to anything right now.
Hmm?
Please, Camilo, let's stop talking about this.
I really don't want us to get tangled up, okay?
I'll see you tomorrow.
-See ya. -Bye.
JOSÉ MARÍA ROOT DISTRICT SCHOOL
The only one who showed up to the photo shoot,
challenging the system, was Eva.
-Hi. -And nobody seemed to care.
One way or another, we all, even the distinguished faculty staff,
knew that this was a right she had earned.
What was particular, in this case,
was that she was ready to make her own mural.
Okay. Excuse me.
What's next?
Oh! Hey! That hurts. Be careful with that.
It was Eva's version of history.
And it turned out to be a gift for everybody.
-Hey! -Nice!
You look pretty.
-Aw. -Whoa.
Who's that now?
-That is me! It's me! -Very elegant.
Whoa.
Look, I can be good-looking and everything.
-Hello. -Hi.
Thanks. Here?
-Me! -So cute.
Look at you, so handsome.
Look here.
Oh, you gave me glasses.
"Hello?"
Whoa! Who's the model?
Thank you.
Ready?
-You're done. -Thanks.
Thank you.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES 1977 - 6B JOSÉ MARÍA ROOT DISTRICT SCHOOL
Well, the thing is that I made an agreement with Rosario,
and I, uh… I'm gonna give her child support for Janet.
So here… on top of that, I also have to keep contributing.
I'm moving to an apartment I've got my eye on
because I can't keep mooching off my mom for food or rent.
It's an upcoming expense, so I'll be tight on cash.
What if we ask for a loan?
No, Mrs. Ana.
We have a mortgage on the house. The bank requires collateral for any loan.
And what if Dad moves back home?
Well, I don't know. Maybe that way, he can save money by living here.
-That's a possibility. -We should think about other options.
What about the exit exam?
Hmm.
I already took care of that.
Dad, those loans are actually a lottery.
Yes, that's true.
Look, kiddo, you're gonna have to cling to God and pray
so that that loan comes through.
Otherwise… switch majors or…
or postpone going to college.
Time was running out,
and the only option was to try to get a loan from the newspaper
that I could pay back with the articles I wrote for them.
But the director helped me realize that, with that money,
I could barely cover my responsibilities as a parent,
let alone commit part of it to my desire to go to university.
This is shit, man!
-Fuck! -Bring it!
-Was it approved for you? -Yes. How about you?
No, brother. We're screwed.
CREDITS FOR TECHNICAL AND HIGHER EDUCATION
What a cruel day. No kidding.
They denied me the loan,
even though I wanted to study something that actually guarantees a job.
But they approved you to study that junk.
Come on, buddy. Don't let the bad vibes stick, okay?
I'm happy for you, Granaditos, but I know you know I'm right.
Mm-hmm. In a way, yes, but I'm not entirely to blame.
I'm also really pissed that you didn't get approved.
So what are you gonna do?
Makes me wanna join Pabón at the barracks.
-Anyway, I'm screwed. -Hmm.
-Come on, man. Don't be fatalistic. -Mm!
-You still have an option. That's SENA. -That's right.
For what you want, that's actually better than college.
How about you?
Nothing, man.
Apply to the college. If I don't get in, I'll work all next year and try again.
What else can I do?
Why the long faces?
What happened?
Unbelievable.
Honestly, it'sterriblethat access to higher education is restricted
to having a lot of money to pay for tuition to a private university,
orbeing fortunate to get into Nacho,
or to win an ICETEX loan.
No.
What are we supposed to do?
Should we organize one of those protests you like, get in trouble?
-Then it'll all be useless. -Hey.
Don't listen to him. He's bitter.
Well…
…in any case, I'm really sorry, Martín.
Well, what about you, huh?
I'm also going to study literature.
What? Here?
-Yes. -Another one?
I want to be a translator.
-Nice. Nice. -Uh-huh.
Worse than being a writer.
You two are definitely insane.
It's cool we're going to study the same thing, right?
Yes, that sounds awesome. It makes me really happy.
In fact, I was thinking we could celebrate alone.
Let's get in first, then we'll celebrate.
Sure, but before that, maybe we can go to your place…
…and be alone, the two of us. Huh?
Camilo.
I don't want a love that makes me feel tied down.
On the contrary, I want a love that allows everything.
Free to say what I wanna say and keep quiet when I want to.
Free to do what I want to do,
not what commitments force people to do.
The thing is that
it scares me.
But you've got to trust me.
That's the best proof of love you can give me.
Hmm?
Funny how life works.
At that precise moment, I had to write an article for the newspaper
about another Scorsese movie,
New York, New York.
A love story
that started off lighthearted, full of music and color.
No! Stop it!
A story that, despite its lively beginning,
gradually turned darker.
And with a shiver, I rememberedRomeo and Juliet,
Love Story, Madame Bovary.
All great love stories with hopeful beginnings
and tragic endings.
And I wondered if that tragic ending was the inevitable conclusion
of all great love stories,
including mine.
INCLUDING MINE
Oh, this one's good. Look, sweetie.
"An apartment."
"Two bedrooms, one bathroom."
It's important it has two bedrooms so you can stay with me on weekends.
-Huh? -Yes.
I'm gonna call. Perhaps we can check it out today.
Dad?
It was the first time Janet called him "Dad."
-What is it? -I don't want to keep studying. I'm bored.
Hmm.
Okay, sweetie, what are we working on?
Mathematics.
Multiplication. Fine. Multiplication.
That's a breeze, kid.
I'll sit with it later and solve all those exercises.
For now, let's focus on what's important. Finding where we're going to live.
-Yes. -Yes? Come on.
We won't back down!
Eva and I applied for the university we liked,
and we took the admissions test together.
We passed the test and got ready for the second filter,
the interview.
-Please. -No.
-Pretty please. -Mm-mm.
-Please, please, please, please. -I don't know. Fine, fine.
-Please. -Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow.
Tomorrow, we'll check out the apartment, look for a quiet street…
-Yay! -…and you can drive the taxi for a bit.
-Nice! -Okay?
I think she's asleep now.
-Ready? Dad, let's-- -Sh! Sh! Sh!
Okay.
Wish me all the good luck… for the interview.
-Good luck, then. -Ready?
Are you going to the college interview?
-Yes, sir. -And you're wearing that?
-What? -Like it's just a regular day at school?
-Well-- -No, kiddo. You're going to an interview.
-First impressions are based on looks. -Sure, you said it yourself.
I'm going to an interview, not a fashion show.
Please go upstairs and put on the suit I gave you.
-In these situations, a nice tie can… -No, sir.
Sh! Sh! Lower your voice. A good tie does miracles. Go ahead.
-No. But I-- -Sh! Sh!
-Bring it down. Quiet. -Okay.
Perhaps back in your day, but not now.
It's not about what you're wearing, but what you have in here.
Okay, fine. Then put on shorts and sneakers.
I thought about it. All my shorts are dirty.
Kiddo, listen to me. The longer you live, the more you learn. Okay, son?
I said no, Dad. Thanks for the advice, but no.
I'm not going to the interview dressed up as someone I'm not.
-See ya. -Don't…
Love you, Dad. Wish me luck, okay?
-Bye. -Sh!
Stubbornness should be a mortal sin. Right, kiddo?
What I like…
The university decided to hold the interviews
in groups of four applicants.
Well…
I ended up with Eva and two girls,
who, despite coming straight from the hair salon,
couldn't get anything right.
They were the classic case of long hair and short ideas.
Well, I'm pretty…
I felt good and confident about my answers. And Eva?
Well, Eva was just being Eva,
and she managed to turn the interview into one of her signature rants.
Marvel Moreno was an active member of the Barranquilla Group.
She was a conversation companion of García Márquez,
Germán Vargas,
Álvaro Cepeda Samudio, and José Félix Benmayor.
And critics and academia have kept her under the most shameful anonymity.
Why is that?
I'm wondering.
Because she's a woman?
Right. Ready?
No, no, no. I don't see my name anywhere.
What? That's impossible.
-Gastón, Castillo… -It's not there.
…Pérez, Rivas.
Unbelievable.
I can't believe it.
Now what?
I told you, didn't I?
But sure, since what I say here is just to mess around, there you go.
These are the consequences.
How many times did I tell you to wear a suit and tie? How many?
Huh?
-José, that's not why he wasn't accepted. -It wasn't? Why wasn't he, then?
Supposedly, this kid is some genius, a smart guy who reads a lot, right?
How did you put it?
"Dad, it doesn't matter what I wear. What matters is what's in my head."
He fills his head with a bunch of crap from all that reading.
I hope this serves as a lesson for you, kiddo.
You love to say, "No, things have changed."
Certain things will never change.
For example, you know it's all about how you look.
No matter how hard that is, learn that. Okay?
Dunderhead. Let me look. "Dun-der-head…"
What we need to focus on is what we're going to do, José.
Hmm. I have an idea.
I do have an idea, son.
-Really? -Mm-hmm.
"Pampered." I found that too.
And sure enough, my mom rolled up her sleeves
and activated the most effective Colombian cultural practice.
The culture of connections.
She spoke with Professor Adolfo,
who had a friend who was a professor at the college
and owed him a couple of favors.
And thanks to that, I was able to save the spot I had lost in the interview.
From that experience, I drew three conclusions.
In Colombia, with connections, anything was possible.
As my dad says, it's all about the first impression.
And lastly, the graduation suit would be with me for a long time.
I walked across the university campus happier than ever
at the thought of still being Eva's classmate.
I felt like life was smiling at me,
giving me extra time and a new chance to move from friends with benefits
to being the official boyfriend of the woman I loved.
What's this?
Did you solve those exercises?
No. How can you say that?
I say so because I know Janet's handwriting very well.
-That's not it. -No, that's not hers.
That's my handwriting.
Janet asked me to help her with writing,
and I said, "I'll help you, but I won't do your homework."
-"I'm incapable of doing that." -Oh, José, this is the last straw.
Frankly, it's outrageous that you're being so irresponsible.
I'm telling you I have nothing to do with it.
-That's my handwriting-- -Stop denying it.
She told me, and that's why she's grounded upstairs.
But she had nothing to do with it. It was my idea.
-To be honest-- -Don't defend her either.
I know her very well. This was your idea, both of you.
Hmm… Yes.
Yes. But can I ask you a question, Rosario?
I ask because I've been talking to Janet,
and she feels very pressured because you're very strict--
What's the question?
The question is if it's worth it.
I've been researching, and from what I've seen,
for people like Janet, it's really hard to find a space in universities,
and even more so in the job market.
Listen carefully, José.
Unlike what everyone else does,
I don't plan on locking my daughter up and hiding her.
Because, one day, I hope things will change, José.
And I have hope that there will be opportunities
for people with Down syndrome.
And when that moment comes, I want my daughter to be prepared.
And you doing her homework
and teaching her that cheating is fine doesn't help me at all.
-Why did you do that, José? -I don't know.
I saw the girl all tangled up with math, and it reminded me of my time in school.
It was really tough for me, so I wanted to spare the girl the suffering.
Well, that was the wrong choice.
You can't take those small battles away from the kids,
because it distorts their reality.
-It really doesn't help them. -Mm-hmm.
I know. Rosario made that very clear to me too.
-Is she really upset? -Obviously.
She punished her, and also punished me.
She didn't let her come help babysit. Who knows when I'll see her again?
Well, you learned your lesson. Next time, you won't put her on the spot.
I have good news that will hopefully cheer you up.
-Mm-hmm. -Professor Adolfo's connections worked.
They gave Camilo the spot at the university.
-That's great. -Mm-hmm. The boy is really happy.
Of course. Sure.
Hey, Mrs. Ana, before you leave, you have…
Unbelievable, right?
Everything you do is right, and everything I do is wrong.
-Ah. -I don't know, Mrs. Ana.
But… I don't know if I can keep living without you.
Since I left this house, I've been totally lost.
I feel like I'm losing all hope.
Hey, don't say that.
What are you making there?
Some mash for Toñita.
-For the girl? -Yes.
What were you thinking? The baby can't eat that yet.
I've already left the bottles ready and sterilized.
Pay attention. The baby might wake up at any moment.
I thought a lot about what I was gonna say for this ceremony.
I even wrote a speech.
But when I read it, it felt too formal and long-winded.
So I decided to bring a poem
called "Santa Librada College,"
from a book calledZona de Tolerancia,
by the Nadaist poet Jotamario Arbeláez.
The religion teacher
Had urged us to repent
He would test us on the existence of God
He listened to my objections With the weariness of a crucifix
And both he and God were saved by the bell
During the closing sessions
They awarded diplomas to the attendees
In the last year There were speeches, mass, laughter
Wine glasses, awards for merit
For attendance, for perseverance For faith, and for hope
EDUCATION
Santa Librada College, 1,200 students
Lightning rods, 72 classrooms
A nightclub, national prestige 55 qualified teachers, and a secretary
Santa Librada College
I don't owe you anything
Whoo!
Yeah!
Whoo!
-That name looks good there. -Miss Samper.
Dr. Alicia.
Did you come alone?
My dad doesn't know I'm graduating today.
But I didn't wanna tell him either.
This may be the last time we will see each other.
No more dealing with your rebellious nature.
So there's something I want you to know.
I am very proud of you and who you have become, Eva.
Obedient women don't make history.
And we're really going to miss you at José María.
Uh…
Well…
Don't forget that a disobedient woman always needs someone to disobey.
And I was incredibly lucky that it was you.
I will never forget you.
Okay, thank you.
-Mom, thank you so much. -Need any help?
-Congratulations. -Thanks, Mom.
-Yeah, see you. -Bye.
-Bye, honey. Mwah!
-Oh, we'll talk later. -Bye, Dad. Thank you. Take care.
Bye. See you later, José.
-Bye, Toñita, sweetie! -So cute and sweet.
-Hey. -Hey.
-How are you feeling? -Fine.
-Tired? -Thank you, ma'am.
Bye, Janet!
-Bye. -Hey, Eva.
Hmm?
What a cool poem.
-Oh, thanks. -That was very nice.
Yes, I saw some upset faces and furrowed brows.
-But that was the idea. -Yeah.
Come on. Not at all. I actually thought it was going to be worse.
Anyway… so what's the plan now?
Well, if you want, we can go to my house.
My mom organized a get-together, and we can all be there.
No, no, no, guys. I'm… I'm out.
Because I have to spend time with my mom. You know how it is.
Yes, man. Pabón and I can't either. We promised to spend time with my family.
No, okay, let's do this.
Let's go and do what we have to do, and when nighttime comes,
we'll meet up to celebrate, like we deserve.
-Cool. -All right. Cool.
There's no money, man.
-No. -There's no money.
Easy. I have a plan that's perfect, just the way we like it, and free.
-Yeah, if it's free, sure. -Free's great.
The former classmates from the school
where Eva had been expelled were also graduating.
They invited her to their prom, and she invited us.
It was an opportunity to have the party with all the perks we deserved,
without having to spend a single penny.
Boogie Wonderland
Ha!
So, wearing the graduation suits that were too big for us,
we arrived at the party,
where everyone was dressed in custom-tailored outfits.
And without a care in the world, we drank, danced, and partied until dawn.
Thanks to Eva's rich friends,
who this time, because they knew I loved her, didn't make a fuss,
and at times, it even appeared that they were willing to join us.
The mirror stares you in the face And says, "Baby, uh, uh, it don't work"
You say your prayers Though you don't care
You dance and…
Let's dance!
Dance
-I don't think so. -Boogie Wonderland
Ha! Ha!
-Dance -Ooh, ooh, ooh, dance
Salud!
Yeah.
The friends.
Gimme a second.
I need to talk her, just… just for a bit.
Camilo.
No, you see, I'm pretty drunk already.
Hmm! I see that.
That's why
I'm gonna say w-what I'm gonna say.
I don't wanna keep being your friend "with benefits."
-No. -No?
No, no, no, no, no, no.
I want to be your boyfriend.
So far, we've done everything
just as you wanted,
and I'm fine with that.
Just look. Look at how I am.
-Okay. -Look at me. You see?
But… but…
I don't wanna be
part of your life.
No, no. I wanna be your life.
Just like you are my life.
Eva…
be my wife.
Yes?
-We'll get married and live in a house. -Camilo, no, no, no. You're not having…
-Not even one more drink. -No. But why? No, no, wait.
My parents got married…
…around our age.
-No, I want you to be my wife, Eva. -Camilo. Camilo.
It's not in my plans to get married ever.
-Not ever. -No? Why not?
Because I think it's a cruel way of killing love.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no. No.
No, I… I won't let that… that happen.
I swear. I…
Look, I'm gonna dedicate myself to loving you more and more each day.
-All right, Camilo. That's very sweet. -And more. And more.
-So sweet. -And more.
What do you say?
Well, I say we should stop being so serious
and celebrate that we're graduating.
Yay!
Mmm…
Oh, how nice!
-Come on! -Just a bit more.
What's up, dude?
Look at what I got you.
Thanks.
I've been doing some research about SENA.
Huh?
I've been doing some research about SENA.
Mm.
And though it seems like the best alternative,
the competition for a spot in mechanics is really tough.
Welcome to the world outside of school, man.
Now we
really have to earn everything with the sweat of our brow.
Well, that's shitty.
My whole life, I've hated this rundown school.
And now that it's about to end,
I'm missing it already.
Come join the army with me.
At least that way, we can be together for one more year.
You should see your face.
Tsk! You jerk.
You know I'm going to miss you, buddy.
Well, same here.
Hmm.
I guess we were born to suffer in this life, huh?
But not tonight, Martín.
Bottoms up?
Do it for free.
I don't think I've ever danced so much in my life.
Another cocktail or what?
Hmm? Are you trying to get me drunk, sir?
No. What I want is for both of us to get drunk together.
Okay, fine. That works. Sir, another cocktail.
-Tell him what you want? -Come on!
Incredible.
-Are you having a cocktail with me? -Sure.
-Two drinks. -Uh, no, no, no, no. The one with…
-What's up, guys? -Cheers!
-How's everyone doing? Ha-ha! -Oh. I almost spilled it.
The one who's really having a good time is this guy Castro here.
-You like that? -So cute.
Damn. He's on one tonight.
-Yeah. -Are we gonna leave him?
No, no.
No way! Bedtime or party time for all!
-Let's go. -Hello, girls! Sorry!
-We're taking our guy. -Hey.
-Come on! -There you are!
Let's go. We're gonna boogie.
-Be right back! -See you!
You should be dancing, yeah
Dancing, yeah
What you doin' on your back?
Oh!
You should be dancing, yeah
Dancing, yeah
My baby moves at midnight
Goes right on till the dawn
-Yeah -Hey! Hey! Whoa!
My woman, take me higher
My woman, keep me warm
What you doin' on your back?
Oh! What you doin' on your back?
Oh!
You should be dancing, yeah
Dancing…
Let me hear it!
I want us to make a promise…
BOGOTÁ LOOKOUT
…right here, in front of the city
that's waking up with the first light of day.
What's that?
Even though we've finished school,
our friendship will last a lifetime!
-A promise from the heart. -Friends forever!
One that, despite all the difficulties in the world,
we were determined to keep.
And it was going to lead us down new and unexpected paths.
We'll be friends forever!
Gimme a hug. I love you.
-You're the best. -Love you.
-Come on. -Yeah!
Whoo! Whoo!
EVA LASTING eah!