“Yana-Wara”, directed by nephew-uncle duo Óscar and Tito Catacora, is Peru’s official submission to the 2025 Academy Awards and 2025 Goya Awards, two of the most prestigious accolades in the world of cinema.

The Oscars®, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the United States, annually honor the best of international cinema. The Goya Awards, presented by the Spanish Academy of Cinematic Arts and Sciences, celebrate the most outstanding achievements in Spanish-language cinema and beyond.

Shot in the breathtaking locations of Puno and Moquegua, “Yana-Wara” features settings such as the Conduriri hot springs, Quequesana River, the church in the town center of Huanacamaya, and the Puente Bello Hot Springs, enriching its narrative by capturing the grandeur of the Peruvian Andes. These locations, full of symbolism and authenticity, become a key element of the film, connecting viewers with the Andean worldview that permeates the story.

Shot entirely in the indigenous Aymara language, “Yana-Wara” unfolds the social drama of Don Evaristo, a grandfather undergoing a communal justice process that uncovers the tragic life of his granddaughter Yana-Wara.

Addressing themes such as gender-based violence, intercultural justice, and the challenges faced by Andean communities while blending elements of social drama and mystery, this film has captivated audiences and critics alike.

The selection of “Yana-Wara” to represent Peru in these prestigious awards highlights the talent of directors Óscar and Tito Catacora, two of Peru’s most visionary filmmakers. The sudden passing of Óscar during production left the film in the hands of Tito, producing a movie that has made a profound impact, not only on the hearts of Peruvian audiences but also on film critics and at international festivals, where it continues to be widely acclaimed and awarded.

Promotional efforts led by Film in Peru

“Yana-Wara”, the Peruvian film shot in the stunning locations of Puno and Moquegua, showcasing the landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, has received support from the Commission for the Promotion of Peruvian Exports and Tourism (PROMPERÚ) through Film in Peru, a strategy to position Peru as a preferred destination for all types of audiovisual productions.

Film in Peru offers personalized assistance and information to facilitate filming in Peru. Thanks to its national and international presence and a structure designed to promote the country’s image, the initiative effectively coordinates with public and private institutions to provide services to both national and international audiovisual productions. For more information, visit www.filminperu.com.

For several years, PromPerú has carried out initiatives to strengthen Peru’s position as a filming destination in the context of promoting Peruvian films internationally. These efforts include participation in specialized spaces such as the Goya Awards (Spain) and the Oscars (United States), recognized platforms with significant impact on key players in the film and audiovisual industry and their digital platforms.

Additional Information

On October 10, 2024, “Yana-Wara” was re-released in Peruvian theaters due to growing public interest, reaffirming the cultural and artistic impact of this posthumous work by Óscar Catacora. Its story, filled with symbolism and humanity, alongside Tito Catacora's remarkable direction, continues to leave a lasting impression on all who watch it.

Some of the awards received by the film include:

• 27 Festival de Cine de Lima 2023 - Lima
  - Honorable Mention / Primera Mención Honrosa a la Mejor Película Peruana
• 9 Semana del Cine Universidad de Lima 2023 - Lima
  - Best Film / Mejor película en la Competencia Nacional de Largometrajes
• 27 Festival de Málaga 2024 - España
  - Official Section Feature Films / Sección Oficial Largometrajes
• XV Premios APRECI 2023 - Lima
  - Best film, best screenplay and best direction / Mejor película peruana, mejor dirección y mejor guión
• 42° Festival Cinematográfico Internacional del Uruguay
  - Official Selection / Selección oficial
• 20 Festival de Cine de los Derechos Humanos, Bolivia, 2024
  - Opening film
• 34 Présence Autochtone | Montreal First Peoples Festival
• 17° Festival del Cine Español y Latinoamericano de Roma - Italia
• Festival de cine Latinoamericano de Tubingen 2024, Alemania