Even the Rain

Costa and Sebastián decide to shoot in Cochabamba, Bolivia to stretch the budget. They embrace a bold plan to produce a historical drama with limited resources and a tight schedule. The relocation sets the tone for a production driven by scarcity and improvisation.

An open casting pamphlet draws hundreds of Bolivian locals eager for a chance to work. Daniel, Hatuey, and Belén are cast, and their first encounter during casting exposes the tension between the producers and the local community. The inclusion of locals begins to blur the line between film and real life.

The shoot starts with unexpectedly smooth progress despite challenges like Anton's on-set alcoholism. Costa stays wary of Daniel's influence while Sebastián senses the energy Daniel could bring to the film. Early days hint at both potential and friction behind the scenes.

Costa vents his disdain for the natives in English, unaware that Daniel understands him. This moment reveals the exploitative underpinnings of the production. Daniel's awareness grows, sharpening the moral tension around the filmmaking process.

The community's patience wears thin as protests over water rights spill into Cochabamba. The crew watches real-world tensions rise, complicating the production's ambitions. Optimism gives way to a sense of urgent conflict.

Daniel takes a lead role in demonstrations against the water company, challenging the production's control. Costa tries to quiet him with money, but Daniel redirects those funds to support the protesters and remains active. His actions lead to his arrest, escalating the crisis.

Costa bribes the police to secure Daniel's temporary release so a crucial Columbus–Hatuey scene can be filmed. Daniel is arrested again soon after, but a crowd of extras helps him slip away. The production teeters on the edge of collapse as authorities intervene.

That night, news footage shows the unrest spreading across the city. Cast members Juan and Alberto watch the reports with growing concern about safety and the project's future. They begin to contemplate leaving to protect themselves.

The next morning, Teresa begs Costa to help locate Belén, who has vanished amid the protests and may be wounded. Costa resists at first but is persuaded by Teresa and Sebastián's plea. He joins the search through the wrecked streets.

Belén is located and saved, but sustains a severe leg injury that may never fully heal. Costa's involvement underscores the real human costs behind the production. The crew faces a shift from shooting to handling the consequences of the unrest.

A military blockade stops the production and most of the crew leaves Sebastián behind while Antón stays. The shoot stalls as safety concerns dominate the remaining days. The city bears the scars of the uprising and the halted project.

The multinational water company withdraws, ending the confrontation and leaving Cochabamba changed. Costa is moved by Daniel's perseverance and remains hopeful that the film can still be completed. The upheaval shapes the faith of everyone involved.

In a quiet moment of gratitude, Daniel presents Costa with a vial of Bolivian water as a tribute to the courage and resilience of the people. The gesture seals a personal bond between the cast, crew, and community. Hope lingers that the story can still be told.