Liborio, the critically acclaimed Spanish language drama from Dominican Republic is now streaming on Mubi India. The 2021 film was having a dream run at International Film festivals including the Rotterdam film Festival.
Liborio revolves around the true-story of an enigmatic afro-Dominican folk hero and his followers at the wake of the birth of a new religious movement called ‘Liborism’.
The story is about Liborio, a peasant who disappears in a hurricane and returns as a prophet with extraordinary healing powers. People start believing the mythical figure in him and his concept of freedom while dislocating to the mountains alongside him. But things take a drastic turn as invading US Marines intend to disarm and disband this newly formed community. Liborio who believed in peace refuses to confront at first while knowing deep down that he can’t run away from this forever.
Filmmaker Nino Martínez Sosa’s feature film debut explores an under-discussed side of Dominican culture and identity. He visited villages where ‘Liborism’ is kept alive in ritual, prayer and song, as a part of his research work while writing the film. This gritty drama on the messianic figure who till date has been inspiring people of the community fuses realism and mysticism equally.
Written by Nino Martínez Sosa and Pablo Arellano, the film was bankrolled by Nino herself and Fernando Santos Diaz. The main cast of the film includes Vincente Santos, Karina Valdez, Fidia Peralta, Ramon Emilio Candelario, Fausto Rajos and Freddy Ginebra.