Urpi: Her Last Wish
Urpi travels to the sacred valley of the Incas in the Peruvian Andes to fulfil a promise to her grandmother. She meets Sayri, an indigenous Quechua young man, who offers his motorcycle for a journey that will challenge her understanding of her identity.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer/Actor Sisa Quispe
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
For most of my life, I didn't see myself as an Indigenous woman and this film is inspired by my re-connecting journey with my indigenous heritage.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Urpi it's a film that will take us on a journey of self-discovery and will challenge the way we perceive Identity.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
This film explores the complexity of identity, particularly the indigenous identity — which has had to survive through time and against various attempts of genocide. I believe we all have roots to reconnect with.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The biggest evolution happened when my grandmother passed away, I felt more encouraged to write this story and I added more details that were inspired by our relationship. It was a way of healing.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I have been extremely surprised by the connection many people have had. Even non-indigenous people started to wonder more about their heritage. For me, that's precious.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It has been surprising, there are not many films that talk about identity so I have been receiving an overwhelming amount of support.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I look forward to having more people know that we Indigenous people can tell our own stories, and this is important because we do it from our lens.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Sales agents, distributors, journalists, etc.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I look forward to having viewers of the film reflect on their ancestry in a thoughtful and restorative way.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What's identity? Are we our nationalities? Our careers? Our gender?
Would you like to add anything else?
This film was brought to life with the collaboration of the Comunidad Cultural Ñawpa Ñan and the Asociación de Tejedores Apu Runawana de la Comunidad de Amaru indigenous Quechua communities, behind and in front of the camera, and was shot in the sacred valley of the Incas.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I'm currently in Pre-production of my next short fiction film which I'm directing, producing, and writing called Kusi Smiles a film about grief, and healing within the community. I'm also in the development phase of my documentary called Yakumama which aims to decolonize the way we perceive Water.
Interview: January 2024
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Urpi: Her Last Wish
Urpi travels to the sacred valley of the Incas in the Peruvian Andes to fulfil a promise to her grandmother. She meets Sayri, an indigenous Quechua young man, who offers his motorcycle for a journey that will challenge her understanding of her identity.
Length: 17:07
Director: Sisa Quispe
Producer: Sisa Quispe
Writer: Sisa Quispe
About the writer, director and producer:
SISA QUISPE is a Quechua Aymara award-winning director, writer, producer, and speaker in New York City. As an indigenous woman, her work largely seeks to inspire the preservation of native ways while sharing a decolonizing message. She is one of the winners of the 5th Annual Student Short Film Showcase by The Gotham Film & Media Institute in partnership with Focus Features and JetBlue with her Short film “Urpi: Her Last Wish”.
Key cast: URPI: Sisa Quispe, SAYRI: Juan Abel Ojeda Llanos
Looking for: journalists, buyers, sales agents
Instagram: @urpi_su_ultimo_deseo
Hashtags used: #indetity #indigenousfilms #womeninfilm #quechua
Website:
Other: IMDb
Funders: GO FUND ME
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Slamdance Film Festival/ Park City, Utah - Sun, Jan 21st, 5:00 PM @ The LUMIX Theater - Thu, Jan 25th, 10:30 AM @ The LUMIX Theater
Will be available in February throughout 2024 on Focus Features Platforms.