POV Season 25 Episode 12 El Velador (The Night Watchman)

El Velador (The Night Watchman) is the twelfth episode of the 25th season of the acclaimed documentary series POV. This beautifully shot film is directed by Natalia Almada and explores the life of a night watchman working in a cemetery on the outskirts of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

The film takes the form of a series of observational vignettes, with the camera following the watchman as he goes about his nightly duties. The setting is eerie and haunting, with the rustling of leaves and the hooting of owls creating an unsettling atmosphere. This is matched by the film's beautiful visuals, with the nighttime scenes beautifully lit and perfectly framed.

Through these vignettes, we get a sense of the watchman's routine and the various tasks he performs throughout the night. He walks the perimeter of the cemetery, scanning the darkness with a flashlight and ensuring that everything is in order. He cleans and tidies the graves, sweeping away fallen leaves and arranging flowers. He chats with visitors, who come to pay their respects to their loved ones buried in the cemetery.

As the film progresses, we begin to learn more about the watchman himself. He is a contemplative man, prone to philosophical musings on life and death. He talks about how working in a cemetery has given him a different perspective on life, and how it has taught him to appreciate the fleeting nature of existence. He opens up about his fears and his hopes, revealing himself to be a complex and nuanced individual.

At the same time, the film provides a window into the broader social context of Ciudad Juarez. We hear snippets of news reports about the ongoing drug violence that has plagued the city for years, and we see the watchman interacting with visitors who are clearly affected by the violence in one way or another. There is a palpable sense of fear and unease that pervades the film, even as the watchman goes about his peaceful and contemplative work.

Despite its focus on a single character and location, El Velador is a deeply political film. It is a meditation on the fragility of life and the ways in which violence and injustice can disrupt even the most mundane aspects of everyday existence. It is also a reminder of the importance of empathy and connection, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

In conclusion, El Velador (The Night Watchman) is a haunting and beautiful film that will linger in the viewer's mind long after the credits roll. Through its stunning visuals and contemplative storytelling, it provides a window into the lives of those who exist on the margins of our world, and offers a gentle but powerful critique of the social and political forces that shape our lives.