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Mi Chacra is a 2009 Peruvian film that tells the story of a Quechua-speaking farmer named Segundo. Segundo lives in the high Andes and is deeply connected to his agricultural land, or chacra in Quechua, which he views as sacred. The film follows Segundo's journey as he navigates traditional Andean life while also attempting to modernize his farming practices in order to survive.

The film is primarily shot in a documentary style, with many of the actors being real-life Andean farmers who speak Quechua in their daily lives. The movie opens with a scene of Segundo and his wife, María, preparing to plant potatoes. The camera then follows Segundo for the rest of the film as he goes about his daily activities, including attending a town meeting about pesticide use, selling his crops at market, and performing a traditional ceremony to honor Pachamama, the Andean mother earth goddess.

Throughout the film, Segundo's struggles with the encroaching forces of globalization become increasingly apparent. He is pressured to use pesticides and fertilizers to increase his crop yields, but resists these efforts, insisting that he wants to keep his land chemical-free. At the same time, his daughter, Ema, wants to leave the high Andes for the city, where she believes she will have a better life. Segundo loves his daughter and wants to support her, but is torn between respecting her wishes and preserving his traditional way of life.

As the film progresses, Segundo's struggles become more acute. He is pressured by the government to sell his land to a mining company, but refuses to do so. He also faces challenges from his neighbors, who question his refusal to use pesticides, and from his own family, who do not always understand his reverence for the land. Through it all, Segundo remains grounded in his beliefs, continuing to plant his crops by hand and offering offerings to Pachamama.

One of the strongest aspects of Mi Chacra is its portrayal of traditional Andean life. The film presents a vivid and authentic picture of a way of life that is rapidly disappearing in modern Peru. The use of Quechua and the inclusion of real-life Andean farmers add to the authenticity of the film. At the same time, the movie does not romanticize Andean life, instead showing the harsh realities of poverty, lack of education, and marginalization from national politics faced by many rural Andeans.

Another strength of the film is its thoughtful exploration of the tensions between tradition and modernity. Segundo is caught between the desire to preserve his traditional way of life and the need to adapt to a changing world. His struggles are emblematic of those faced by many rural peoples in the developing world, making the film a powerful commentary on the impacts of globalization on traditional cultures.

The cinematography of the movie is also noteworthy, with many scenes shot against the stunning backdrop of the Peruvian Andes. The use of natural light and the absence of music or a score creates a sense of intimacy with the characters and environment that is rare in contemporary cinema. The camera work captures the beauty of the Andean landscape and the rhythms of daily life in a way that is both understated and breathtaking.

Overall, Mi Chacra is a moving and thought-provoking film that offers a rare window into traditional Andean life. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of rural peoples in the face of rapid change and the power of traditional knowledge and values. The film is an important tribute to the people who have called the Andes home for centuries and a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by traditional cultures in the modern world.

Mi Chacra is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.4.