Birds of Passage

In the late 1960s, Zaida, a spirited woman of the Pushaina lineage, meets Rapayet, who expresses his desire to marry her. This meeting sets off a chain of events that will dramatically alter both of their lives and their families' futures.

Zaida's mother, Úrsula, demands a substantial dowry from Rapayet, reflecting their family's esteemed standing. This requirement becomes a critical barrier for their relationship, pushing Rapayet towards desperate measures to fulfill it.

As Rapayet seeks to raise the dowry, he encounters a group of American Peace Corps volunteers who are in urgent need of marijuana. This meeting exposes him to new opportunities and risks, marking his entrance into the drug trade.

After visiting his cousin Gabriel, who cultivates marijuana, Rapayet is approached by an American who proposes a lucrative drug export deal. This opportunity sets the stage for Rapayet's involvement in the drug business, affecting his future profoundly.

With the profits from the drug deal, Rapayet successfully pays Zaida's dowry, leading to their marriage. As their drug business flourishes, Rapayet faces the temptation to expand his operations, which brings new challenges.

As tensions rise during a critical transaction, Rapayet discovers that the Americans are working with rival growers. When Moisés uses violence to resolve a deal, Rapayet chooses to intervene, which strains their friendship and leads to tragic consequences.

Moisés reacts to Rapayet's severed ties by retaliating and murdering Gabriel and his family. This betrayal places Rapayet in a precarious situation and forces him to consider dangerous actions to protect his own family.

In the chaos that follows, Rapayet seeks to rebuild his alliances by partnering with Gabriel's brother, Aníbal. This new partnership comes at a high cost, revealing the complexities and dangers of the drug world.

As Rapayet's family enjoys wealth, they are called to Gabriel's second funeral, igniting tensions between their clan and Gabriel's family. This event triggers a series of violent encounters and deepening conflict amongst the families.

In an attempt to prevent war, Rapayet sends a messenger to Aníbal with a peace offering. Aníbal's brutal act of executing the messenger represents a significant breach of Wayuu traditions, escalates tensions, and affects both families.

Following the escalation of conflict, Zaida and her children are forced into hiding as whispers of betrayal and dissent spread throughout their community. This act underscores the growing fear and instability within their families.

Úrsula takes extreme measures by kidnapping her daughter and grandchildren in an effort to keep Rapayet from returning home. This moment illustrates the lengths to which she will go to protect her family amidst growing chaos.

Amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions, Aníbal launches a brutal assault on Rapayet's home. The violent encounter leads to significant devastation, marking a turning point in the conflict between their families.

In the aftermath of the violence, only Indira, the daughter of Zaida and Rapayet, survives the brutal clash. Her survival symbolizes the tragic consequences of their family's turmoil and the ongoing cycle of violence.

In a desperate act, Úrsula urges Indira to escape with Leonídas, but Indira must flee alone. This pivotal moment encapsulates the despair and breakdown of family ties amidst their disastrous feud.