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Feriado is a 2014 drama film that tells the story of a young man named Juan (played by Juan Arregui) who goes to visit his wealthy extended family in the Ecuadorian Andes during a long weekend or Feriado. It is a time of celebration, and there are many festivities planned, including a religious procession, a traditional dance festival, and a bullfight.

Juan’s father has recently died, and he is struggling with his grief, as well as his feelings of estrangement from his family. He was sent away to a boarding school in England when he was young, and has not spent much time with his relatives since then. In fact, his grandfather, who is the patriarch of the family, does not even recognize him at first.

Juan meets a local girl, Isabel (played by Elena Vargas), and they quickly develop a close friendship. Isabel is an aspiring artist and photographer, and she shows Juan around the town and introduces him to some of the locals. They attend the various festivities together and have fun exploring the countryside.

However, things become more complicated when Juan learns about the complicated history of his family and their ties to the land. He discovers that his grandfather, who was once a revolutionary leader, made a deal with the government to sell the family’s ancestral land in exchange for amnesty. This has caused a rift in the family and in the community, with some people feeling betrayed and others feeling like they were making the best of a bad situation.

Juan also learns more about the indigenous people who live in the area and their struggles for land rights and self-determination. He is drawn to their cause and starts to question the privilege and power of his own family. This leads to tension with his grandfather and with some of the other family members, who see him as a naive outsider who does not understand the complexities of the situation.

Throughout the film, Juan is on a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation. He is trying to come to terms with his past and his identity as a member of a privileged class, while also recognizing the injustices that have been committed in his name. He is torn between his loyalty to his family and his growing sense of empathy for the marginalized and oppressed.

The film is beautifully shot and captures the lush landscapes of the Andes and the vibrant colors of the traditional costumes and festivities. The performances are nuanced and understated, with Arregui and Vargas bringing a quiet intensity to their roles.

Feriado is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of family, identity, and social justice. It challenges viewers to confront their own prejudices and assumptions, and to question the narratives that have been handed down to us. It is a poignant reminder that there is always more than one side to a story, and that true understanding and reconciliation can only come from listening to all voices.

Feriado is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.