The Old man who read love stories

Expressive romantic tale, which invokes the spirit of South American author Garcia Marquez, about an aging man who strives to atone for past errors in order to embrace a new romance. Whilst living in a remote part of the Amazon jungle, Antonio becomes a virtual recluse following the death of his beloved. Within his jungle home he has only one friend, a charismatic lothario (Hugo Weaving) who introduces him to Josefina, a beautiful local woman who works for the mayor, a corrupt official. When the mayor grants illegal visas to poachers, a litter of jaguar cubs is slain; the fearsome mother finds and kills the poacher, but having acquired a taste for human blood, the village is now in peril. The mayor suggests a hunting party, lead by Antonio. During the hunt, Antonio recalls key incidents from his past, including his marriage, his passion for Josefina, his love of reading and his friendship with a native that contributed his sadness. Rolf de Heer (Bad Boy Bubby, The Tracker) evokes a handsome story of redemption, lyrically encapsulated within the old man’s memories, whilst presenting a paradisaical, if brutal, environ.