Zafari is a 2024 dystopian black comedy-drama film co-written, co-produced and directed by Mariana Rondón. It stars Daniela Ramírez, Francisco Denis and Samantha Castillo. The film follows an upper-class family who witness the arrival of a hippopotamus named Zafari, who is the only one with enough food, while they are starving. It is an international co-production between Venezuela, Peru, Mexico, France, Chile, the Dominican Republic and Brazil.
Synopsis The neighbors witness the arrival of the hippopotamus Zafari at a small zoo. Ana, Edgar, and their son Bruno watch the operation from the windows of their decaying luxury building, now in ruins. Amidst the lack of food, water, and electricity, the family tries to solve everyday problems while thinking of a way to escape. In a world gone wild, Zafari is the only one who still has enough to eat.
Cast
Daniela Ramírez as Ana Francisco Denis as Edgar Samantha Castillo as Natalia Varek La Rosa as Bruno Alí Rondón as Ali Beto Benites as Flaco Claret Quea as Mataperro Juan Carlos Colombo as Francisco
Production Principal photography took place on location in Lima, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico.
Release The film had its world premiere on September 22, 2024, at the 72nd San Sebastián International Film Festival, then screened on October 27, 2024, at the 48th São Paulo International Film Festival, on March 19, 2025, at the 4th LATcinema Fest, on March 22, 2025, at the 39th Fribourg International Film Festival, on March 23, 2025, at the 37th Toulouse Latin America Film Festival, on July 21, 2025, at the 14th Aegean Film Festival, on August 8, 2025, at the 29th Lima Film Festival, and on August 19, 2025, at the 21st Santiago International Film Festival.
The film was commercially released on August 28, 2025, in Peruvian theaters, and on September 4 of the same year in Venezuelan and Chilean theaters.
Accolades YearAward / FestivalCategoryRecipientResultRef.202472nd San Sebastián International Film FestivalHorizontes Latinos AwardZafari33rd Biarritz Film FestivalFBAL Award for Feature Film from the French Union of Film Critics29th International Film Festival of KeralaBest International Film202539th Fribourg International Film FestivalGrand Prix42nd Munich International Film FestivalCineRebels Award29th Lima Film FestivalTrophy Spondylus21st Santiago International Film FestivalChilean Film Competition - Best FilmSpecial Mention for Best FilmBest PerformanceDaniela Ramírez
References
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