Peruvian Filmmaker Sami Hawka Explores Polyamory and Resistance

Peruvian filmmaker Sami Hawka is currently developing a compelling feature film titled "While Everything Falls," known in Spanish as "Afuera Todo Arde." The ambitious project delves into the intricate intersections of personal freedom, polyamory, Indigenous rights, and political resistance within the framework of a fictionalized dictatorship in contemporary Peru.

The narrative centers on a conservative rural community where three individuals form a polyamorous triad. To maintain appearances and navigate societal pressures, two members of the triad enter into a conventional marriage. However, this delicate arrangement unravels when their third lover exposes the relationship, forcing the trio to flee their rural home and seek refuge in the nation's capital.

Upon arriving in Lima, the characters find themselves drawn into a burgeoning rebellion against the authoritarian regime governing the country. This immersion into the anti-dictatorship movement serves as a catalyst for their political and personal awakening. They quickly discover that their fight for autonomy in love and lifestyle is deeply intertwined with broader societal struggles, including Indigenous rights, economic equality, and the liberation of other marginalized communities.

The Madrid-based director notes that the characters initially operate within a sheltered bubble, focused primarily on their immediate relationships and the specific stigmas of queerness and polyamory. Yet, as they are thrust into the wider world and participate in the uprising, they realize that power structures oppress people in multifaceted ways. Hawka emphasizes that these realizations connect directly to Peru's complex colonial history and the enduring systemic issues that continue to impact Indigenous populations today.

The project has recently achieved significant milestones on the international film circuit. It was selected for the prestigious Vancouver International Film Festival's Business Hub Co-Productions Forum as well as the Queer Palm Lab, an LGBTQ-focused development program associated with the Cannes Film Festival. These selections have elevated the project's profile as Hawka actively seeks international co-production partners and financial backing to bring the feature to life.

Ultimately, "While Everything Falls" promises to offer a nuanced cinematic exploration of how intimate human connections can become powerful acts of political resistance. By bridging the personal and the political, Hawka's work highlights the universal resonance of fighting for identity and justice under oppressive regimes.