Zafari (2024) by Mariana Rondón

Zafari – When Society Starves, Instinct Takes Over

A gripping dystopian drama where a starving city’s last symbol of life—a zoo hippopotamus—triggers a brutal unraveling of class, morality, and survival instincts.

Zafari (2024), directed by Mariana Rondón, is a dystopian drama that delves into themes of societal collapse, class disparity, and survival instincts. Set in a decaying urban environment, the film uses the arrival of a hippopotamus in a small zoo as a catalyst to explore the unraveling of a community facing extreme scarcity.

Ana, her husband Edgar, and their son Bruno reside in a once-luxurious apartment building now succumbing to decay. Facing daily struggles for basic necessities, Ana scavenges abandoned apartments for food, while eerie noises in the corridors heighten her anxiety. The arrival of Zafari, a hippopotamus in the adjacent zoo, becomes a focal point for the community, highlighting the stark contrasts between their dire circumstances and the animal’s relative abundance. As tensions rise, the film portrays the disintegration of social norms and the descent into a survivalist mentality.

Mariana Rondón presents Zafari as a dystopian fable, inspired by real events such as the 2016 death of a hippopotamus in Caracas Zoo. The film serves as a metaphor for the societal collapse experienced in Venezuela and other regions, emphasizing themes of scarcity, migration, and moral ambiguity. Rondón’s narrative challenges viewers to reflect on the fragility of civilization and the ethical dilemmas faced in times of crisis. 

• Societal Collapse: Depicts the breakdown of social structures in the face of extreme scarcity.

• Class Disparity: Highlights the tensions between residents of differing socioeconomic

• Survival Instincts: Explores the moral compromises individuals make when confronted with life-threatening conditions.

• Symbolism of Zafari: The hippopotamus represents both hope and the absurdity of the situation, as it thrives while humans suffer.

• Compelling Narrative: A thought-provoking storyline that resonates with global audiences.

• Strong Performances: Notable acting by Daniela Ramírez, Francisco Denis, and others brings depth to the characters

• Visual Storytelling: Effective use of cinematography to convey the bleakness of the setting.

• International Collaboration: A co-production involving multiple countries, enhancing its global appeal.

• Premiered in the Horizontes Latinos section at the 72nd San Sebastián International Film Festival. 

• Nominated for awards at various international film festivals, including the Fribourg International Film Festival. 

Roberto Oggiano describes Zafari as a dystopian tale set in a semi-abandoned zoo, serving as a metaphor for the deteriorating state of modern Venezuelan society. While the film starts with originality, it gradually becomes oppressive, reflecting the characters’ descent into chaos. Oggiano notes that the film’s ambition to depict reality through fiction may not bring new insights to the genre. 

Deborah Young characterizes Zafari as a chilling dystopian fable where a middle-class family in an unnamed Latin American country faces starvation and moral decay. The film highlights the stark ironies and grim choices faced by the characters, emphasizing the broader issues of poverty and violence that lead to mass migrations. 

Ena Alvarado discusses how Zafari uses the real-life death of a neglected hippo in Caracas as a parable for social collapse. The film portrays the breakdown of class distinctions and moral boundaries in the face of extreme hardship, culminating in acts of desperation that challenge the characters’ humanity. 

Zafari has been recognized for its stark depiction of societal breakdown and the human condition under extreme duress. Critics commend the film’s metaphorical storytelling and its reflection on real-world issues, though some note that its heavy-handed approach may limit its impact. The film serves as a poignant commentary on the fragility of social structures and the moral dilemmas faced during crises.

• Production Companies:

  • Sudaca Films (Peru)

  • Paloma Negra Films (Mexico)

  • Still Moving (France)

  • Klaxon Cultura Audiovisual (Brazil)

  • Quijote Films (Chile)

  • Selene Films (Dominican Republic)

  • Artefactos S.F (Venezuela)

• Sales Company: Feelsales (Spain) 

• Production Summary: Zafari is a collaborative effort among production houses from seven countries, reflecting a commitment to cross-cultural storytelling and regional cinema’s growth.

• World Premiere: September 22, 2024, at the San Sebastián International Film Festival. 

• Streaming and Theatrical Release: Details regarding broader theatrical releases or streaming availability have not been announced.

• Timely Themes: Addresses pressing global issues such as resource scarcity and social inequality.

• Artistic Merit: Combines compelling storytelling with strong performances and visual storytelling.

• International Collaboration: Showcases the potential of cross-border film production.

• Thought-Provoking Narrative: Encourages reflection on societal structures and human behavior in crisis.

• Emotional Impact: Delivers a powerful emotional experience through its characters and setting.

• Cultural Insight: Provides a window into the challenges faced by communities in times of upheaval.

• Name: Dystopian Realism

• Summary: Zafari aligns with a trend of films that use dystopian settings to explore real-world social and political issues, offering audiences a lens through which to examine contemporary challenges.

• Name: Global Awareness of Societal Fragility

• Summary: The film contributes to a broader conversation about the fragility of societal structures and the impact of resource scarcity, resonating with global audiences concerned about these issues.

Zafari is a compelling and thought-provoking film that effectively uses a dystopian narrative to explore pressing social issues. Its strong performances, artistic direction, and timely themes make it a significant contribution to contemporary cinema.

• Address Relevant Issues: Tackle contemporary social and political topics to create impactful narratives.

• Foster International Collaboration: Engage with production partners from different countries to enrich storytelling.

• Utilize Symbolism: Incorporate symbolic elements to deepen the thematic resonance of the film.

• Support Diverse Voices: Invest in films that offer unique perspectives on global issues.

• Promote Cross-Cultural Projects: Encourage collaborations that bring together diverse talents and viewpoints.

• Highlight Socially Relevant Content: Prioritize films that engage with important societal themes to foster dialogue and awareness.

Zafari stands as a poignant exploration of societal collapse and human resilience. Through its dystopian lens, the film challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about inequality and survival, making it a vital piece of contemporary cinema.