Director Henry Vallejo’ Powerful Chief, also known as Manco Cápac, has risen above its inspirational, though humble, story line to receive a nomination for Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academic Awards.
Filmed in Peru, the story follows Elisban, played by Jesús Colque, who struggles with homelessness and the difficulty of making money in a city that “sharpens his loneliness at every step,” according to the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)
“We are thrilled to know that many stories from our country are yet to be told and that several Hollywood productions are being filmed in Peru and that they can take advantage of the spectacular landscapes from the Pacific Coast to the Andes, home to the city of Cusco and the magnificent Machu Picchu and the Amazon jungle, which encompasses more than 50% of the Peruvian territory,” Conrado Falco from the Trade Commission of Peru in Los Angeles said in a release.
The story addresses problems “immigrants face even within their own country,” a release said.
“It’s a story that anyone can relate to, and the central theme is ultimately perseverance, just as was the case with the filming,” Vallejo said in a release. “In the end, the film aims to tell a simple, socially relevant, challenging story that pays tribute to the Incas.”
The 94th Academy Awards program is scheduled to take place on March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Calif.
Variety Magazine's 2022 Oscars predictions consider the film to be a candidate for that prestigious award. Vallejo’s international film was ranked 28th on Variety’s list.
Peruvian film production has accelerated in the past few years.
According to El Comercio, Latin America's increased production levels have been noted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), particularly in countries like Peru, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and Argentina.