A Male (Melbourne International Film Festival)  ★★★★½

TWO impressive debuts are involved in the slow-burn Colombian drama A Male.

Writer/director Fabian Hernandez appears well at home behind the camera for his first feature effort after delivering three short films.

His vision is terrifically assisted by young lead actor Felipe Ramirez who is on screen for the very first time.

Ramirez plays 16 year-old Carlos who lives in a boarding school in the centre of the capital, Bogotá.

Carlos earns a little money doing errands for older boys involved in crime but is now being faced with the decision whether to fully enter that life.

His older sister, Nicole, works as a prostitute while their mother lives separately in another town.

In stark and intimate fashion Ramirez examines what it means to be on the edge of manhood in a society that can destroy you mentally or physically regardless of the choices you make.

Not even having sex for the first time seems to provide any enjoyment or promise to the young man who ultimately just wants to be part of a caring, supportive family.

But instead Carlos is having to give up the final aspects of childhood in a world where crime is simply the easiest and best way to survive.

Hernandez tightly frames many of his shots to focus on the performances and emotions, in particular by Ramirez who is on screen for the entire film.

There are several scenes, including a final, extended close-up that bore into the character’s soul. Another scene with Carlos found crying on the sidewalk is particularly sad and effective.

This is a very strong festival entry. Quietly powerful.