The Return
Synopsis
It’s spring in the Ecuadorian Amazon and the Uyantza festival is underway with the community celebrating all that the forest has to offer. Meanwhile, news is breaking around the world that a novel virus is spreading and a state of emergency is declared across the country. As people test positive for COVID-19 in the community, some families decide to leave and head deeper into the jungle. Disconnected from school, friends, the internet, and work, one family learns to reconnect with life in the forest. The children begin to unlearn the national curriculum, and instead are taught Indigenous knowledge that mainstream schools normally pass over. As COVID-19 wreaks havoc around the planet, the family reconnect to their ancestral ways, but as news arrives that Ecuador’s lockdown will end soon, will the family choose to return?
Release History & Theatrical Window
Sheffield Doc/Fest
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Eriberto Gualinga
- Screenplay & Story
- Pocho Álvarez
- Original Title
- The Return
- Country of Origin
- Ecuador
- Spoken Languages
- Quechua
- Runtime
- 17m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Eriberto Gualinga
Pocho Álvarez
Eriberto Gualinga
Emiliano Battista
Marc Silver, Nina Gualinga
Department Leadership Roster
Eriberto Gualinga
Director
Marc Silver
Producer
Nina Gualinga
Producer
Eriberto Gualinga
Director of Photography
Emiliano Battista
Editor
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Return.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Return
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Return about?
It’s spring in the Ecuadorian Amazon and the Uyantza festival is underway with the community celebrating all that the forest has to offer. Meanwhile, news is breaking around the world that a novel virus is spreading and a state of emergency is declared across the country. As people test positive for COVID-19 in the community, some families decide to leave and head deeper into the jungle. Disconnected from school, friends, the internet, and work, one family learns to reconnect with life in the forest. The children begin to unlearn the national curriculum, and instead are taught Indigenous knowledge that mainstream schools normally pass over. As COVID-19 wreaks havoc around the planet, the family reconnect to their ancestral ways, but as news arrives that Ecuador’s lockdown will end soon, will the family choose to return?
Who directed The Return?
The Return was directed by Eriberto Gualinga.
Who stars in The Return?
The principal cast of The Return includes Not specified.
When was The Return released and how long is it?
The Return was released in 2021 with a total runtime of 17m.