Alsino and the Condor

The story unfolds during the late stages of Nicaragua's civil conflict, with Sandinista rebels and government forces clashing. An American military advisor arrives to train local forces and to prevent direct attacks in the red zones. The atmosphere blends childhood adventure with looming war, shaping the protagonist's coming-of-age in a country at war.

Set in a remote area of Nicaragua, the film unfolds against a backdrop of civil conflict. The sparse countryside of mountains and small towns highlights the isolation of the community, with guards and camps shaping daily life. The presence of armed factions and raids hints at a nation in turmoil, coloring all acts with danger and tension.

🕊️ Innocence

Alsino's childhood is defined by simple dreams of flight and exploration. The idea of Amsterdam as a magical key to flight sits beside the brutality of the surrounding conflict. War intrudes on play and safety, yet curiosity and resilience persist in the boy. This theme follows how a child's perspective filters through a world in upheaval.

🪖 War Reality

The narrative exposes how conflict seeps into ordinary life, with raids, arrests, and civilians paying the price. Alsino witnesses cruelty and fear, and his loyalties begin to form in response to the violence around him. The story uses a child's perspective to reveal the dehumanizing effects of war. It also shows how authority figures and rebels become part of his world view.

🌅 Freedom Quest

From tree-climber dreams of flight to a guerrilla path, Alsino's journey centers on the longing for freedom. Encounters with the American helicopter and the rebel group frame flight and escape as both literal and symbolic. The film traces a balance between personal liberation and collective struggle, culminating in a decisive turn toward belonging and choice.