How did you become interested in the world of gauchos and decide to dedicate a film to them?
Our interest in the gauchos stems from a long-standing curiosity about communities that maintain their identity despite the onslaught of modernity. We have always been drawn to people who live according to rhythms that have remained unchanged for generations, and whose relationship to their environment shapes their worldview. Over the years, we have worked and lived in this region of the world, fascinated by the mythology of the gaucho . This film has given us the opportunity to explore and celebrate the lives of the real people behind this mythology.
The gauchos of the Salta region have managed to preserve their way of life on the fringes of modern society. What are the main challenges they face today?
The gauchos of Salta live at a complex crossroads. On one side, there is their deep tradition — cattle ranching, singing, horseback riding, storytelling — and on the other, the pressures of the contemporary world: climate change, evolving land use, and the growing attraction to technology and modernity.
One of their biggest challenges is environmental change, the multiple impacts of which we witnessed on their lives. The region has always been arid, and the erratic weather patterns are making access to water, essential for survival and feeding livestock, even more difficult. Wally , one of the gauchos we filmed, told us that condors are now attacking cattle—something that had never happened before. This detail speaks volumes about the evolution of the ecosystems.
There is also the question of cultural continuity. The younger generation, like Guadalupe in the film, wants to perpetuate tradition while embracing new opportunities—school, technology, and the possibility of migrating to the city. The question then becomes: how to remain faithful to tradition while opening oneself to the modern world?
You worked with an entirely Argentinian production team — was that essential for you?
Yes, absolutely essential. We always work with a local team on our films because they bring knowledge and cultural understanding that help us build strong connections with the communities we film. They also provide invaluable experience in navigating the unique challenges of filming in the remote locations where we've worked. In many ways, our local team is much more than just a collection of collaborators: they are a bridge between the film industry and us.
How did your first meeting with Guadalupe, the young woman determined to become a gaucho, go ?
Our first encounter with Guadalupe , or Guada , was a turning point. We had initially come to Chicoana , the community where she lives, to meet her father, Tati Gonza , a true legend in the gaucho world . During this first meeting, Guada was present, and Tati graciously stepped aside, telling us that she should be the focus of our film. As we began filming with her, we quickly understood why: by forging her own path as a gaucho , she is challenging the conventions of a male-dominated culture. Her journey requires immense courage and perseverance, and we soon knew that she would become one of the emotional hearts of the film.
Why did you choose to film in black and white?
The choice of black and white stemmed from the experience of filming itself. Every decision we make aims to reflect what we feel in the moment and to share that feeling with the audience. The world of the gauchos seemed suspended between dream and reality, and the absence of color emphasized this dimension. We wanted the viewer to feel as though they were entering a timeless world and gradually absorbing a different rhythm of life and a new way of seeing the world.
Filming the gauchos also means capturing the vast plains, the mountains, and above all, the horses. Some rodeo and racing scenes are particularly impressive… How did you approach them?
Capturing the power of the horses and the vastness of the landscapes forced us to rethink our approach to camera work. We wanted the audience to feel both the weight of the landscape and the pulse of the animal, and to experience the unique bond between man and horse that these exceptional riders share.
To film the horses at a gallop, we decided to use a car equipped with a high-speed camera, which had to be transported on a flatbed truck for 25 hours across the country. This setup allowed us to follow the horses at full speed over often treacherous terrain, offering the viewer an experience that was both visceral and almost operatic.
What did you learn from the gauchos and what impressed you the most?
The gaucho communities with whom we spent time are deeply connected: to the land, to past traditions, to the food they eat, to their families, and to the physical community that surrounds them. These are connections that were once abundant for humans on this shared planet, but which have now become rare.
Technology and modernity have erased much of what gives meaning to life for many of us today. Being in a place where these sacred connections remain strong and alive is a reminder of the potential beauty and richness of human life.