Hugo Sotil: restored version of “Cholo”, a film that starred the soccer player, returns to theaters for its 50th anniversary

After successfully presenting itself at the most recent edition of the Lima Film Festival, the restored version of the Peruvian film “Cholo” by Bernardo Batievsky and starring the legendary soccer player finally arrives in Peruvian theaters Hugo Sotil.

The digital restoration of the film was carried out by the Film and Television Archive of the University of California (UCLA) and the main promoter of this project was Andrea Franco Batievsky, granddaughter of the director of this Peruvian film and also a filmmaker and artist based in Los angels

The 1972 film, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, tells the story of a young man who migrates to Lima in search of opportunities. Skilled in soccer since he was a child, he tries to find an activity that allows him economic stability and social success. After failing in his attempts to enter the university, he exercises in the practice of painting, but it is with soccer that he will achieve what he wants. Turned into a crack, he walks around Europe and finds a sentimental partner.

The return to Peruvian cinemas of this well-remembered national film undoubtedly marks a milestone in the local billboard, since this film deals with being a cholo in Peru in an avant-garde and unconventional way for the time (the 70s), thus becoming a memory document that must be preserved and reread from today.

In addition to the stellar participation of Peruvian soccer legend Hugo Sotil, “Cholo” features performances by Nancy Gross, Marina Cajahuaringa, Milner Cajahuaringa, Alejandro Vivanco, Fernando Larrañaga, Hernán Romero, Roberto Drago and Alberto Terry.

The original music was in charge of the well-remembered Peruvian band El Polen, a pioneer group of fusion and psychedelic rock in Peru and Latin America.

Fifty years later, one of the most memorable Peruvian films of the seventies returns to the big screen. The restored version of “Cholo” will premiere this Thursday, May 19, to the delight of fans of “Cholo” Sotil, of Peruvian soccer and of an unforgettable time in our country.