Watch On Tour... Route Of The White Town Exploring The White Villages Of Andalusia

Possible description: On Tour... Route Of The White Town (En ruta... La ruta de los pueblos blancos) is a Spanish documentary film directed by Ana Palacios and released in 2020. The film follows a group of travelers who embark on a journey to explore the white villages of Andalusia, a region in southern Spain known for its picturesque towns with white houses, narrow streets, and rich history.

The film begins with a brief introduction to the origins and significance of the white towns, which date back to the medieval era when the Moors ruled the Iberian Peninsula. The white color, according to some theories, was used to reflect the sunlight and repel insects, while others say it symbolized purity or a desire to imitate the whitewashed cities of North Africa. Whatever the reasons, the tradition of painting the houses white has persisted and evolved over time, becoming a defining feature of the Andalusian landscape and culture.

The travelers, mostly middle-aged and from different parts of Spain, meet up in Seville and embark on a bus that will take them through a scenic route that covers some of the most famous and lesser-known white towns, including Arcos de la Frontera, Zahara de la Sierra, Grazalema, Ronda, Setenil de las Bodegas, and Olvera. Along the way, they meet local people who tell them stories of their town's history, legends, traditions, and challenges.

The film is divided into chapters that correspond to each town and some of their landmarks, such as the castle of Arcos, the gorge of Zahara, the cows of Grazalema, the bullring of Ronda, the caves of Setenil, and the tower of Olvera. Each chapter features stunning images of the towns and their surroundings, captured by Palacios and her team with a keen eye for light, composition, and atmosphere. The camera pans over the white walls and roofs, the green valleys and mountains, the blue rivers and skies, and the colorful flowers and tiles that adorn the houses and streets.

Interspersed with the scenic shots are interviews with local people, who speak in a mix of Spanish and Andalusian dialects that reflect their distinct identities and backgrounds. Some of them are artisans who make pottery, rugs, or leather goods; others are chefs who cook traditional dishes like gazpacho, bull tail, or almond cake; still, others are farmers, musicians, or sportsmen who share their passions and insights. Some of the interviews are in-depth and emotional, revealing personal stories of love, loss, and resilience that relate to the history and character of their town.

The travelers also participate in some cultural and natural activities, such as flamenco dancing, bird watching, hiking, or canoeing. These moments add a sense of adventure and fun to the film and show how the white towns offer not only visual beauty but also sensory and experiential richness. The film also touches on some of the challenges that these towns face, such as depopulation, urbanization, tourism pressure, and environmental risks. Some of the locals express their concerns and hopes for the future, while others propose innovative solutions or adaptations that could help preserve their heritage and identity.

Overall, On Tour... Route Of The White Town is a delightful and informative film that celebrates the diversity and charm of the Andalusian white villages while also acknowledging their complexities and contradictions. The film is suitable for all ages and audiences, as it combines stunning cinematography, storytelling, music, and humor in a rich and engaging narrative. Whether you are a fan of travel, culture, history, or simply beauty, this film will take you on a memorable journey of discovery and inspiration.