Couch tourism: 10 movies about Chile that will make you want to visit

The driest desert in the world, 4,000 kilometers of coastline, 16 wine valleys, thousand-year-old glaciers and magical islands have made Chile a true paradise for the film industry. This is no secret to us! And to prove it to you, we are sharing this list of 10 movies about Chile that will make you want to visit.

A must-see list of movies that helps us understand that the seventh art has never been so blessed as in Chile. Broaden your cultural spectrum of our country and enjoy your mandatory time at home to rekindle your love for travel and do a little tourism from the comfort of your couch.

As a new way to inspire your next adventure or reaffirm your desire to tour Chile, we invite you to a marathon of 10 movies about Chile that not only feature outstanding acting and a number of different popular social issues, but also use aesthetics and art to paint a masterful portrait of our landscapes and natural beauty.

1.- Neruda (2016): This movie by director Pablo Larraín tells the fictional-historical story of a policeman who obsessively pursues the Chilean Nobel Prize winner, Pablo Neruda, who goes fugitive in his own country after the president has ordered his arrest.

The film is truly a look at the lesser known side of Neruda, and a trip through the different landscapes of Chile, including the charming lookout points over Valparaiso and the snowy thousand-year-old forests of La Araucania.

Start your adventure here: https://bit.ly/2WToyzL

2.- A Fantastic Woman (2017):  The work of director Sebastián Lelio, won an Oscar for “Best Foreign Language Film.” This film tells the story of Marina, a young transsexual woman who, after witnessing the sudden death of her boyfriend Orlando, is forced to grieve while facing the prejudices of his family and society.

The movie is mostly set in Santiago, showing places that are representative of the local urban culture and tourism icons. If you are planning to visit the Chilean capital city, we recommend following in Marina’s footsteps, visiting the bar of a Santiago hotel, the hidden restaurants in downtown Santiago, and watch the sunset from the bridges in Providencia over the Mapocho River.

Enjoy the show here: https://bit.ly/2QYJilQ

3.- Princess (2017):  This movie by Marialy Rivas tells the story of a 12-year-old girl, Tamara, who lives in a religious cult and has been selected by Miguel, its leader, to procreate his heir.

The film was shot in and around the city of Puerto Varas, showing off the generous landscapes of the abundant native flora and fauna, and the beautiful backdrop of the magnificent Lake Llanquihue.

The movie here: https://bit.ly/3bxWQfW

4.- And Suddenly the Dawn (2017):  A movie by the acclaimed director Silvio Caiozzi tells us about a frustrated older writer’s return to his birthplace in the Chilean Patagonia, after being away for 40 years. Upon his return, he is forced to face his past and, for the first time, create a novel in which he, his loved ones and his friends will be the leading characters.

A truly pleasant trip to the bottom of the world through this entertaining history! And the best part? The mysterious green landscapes of the Chilean Patagonia!

Start your trip here: https://bit.ly/39rqwdd

5.- Crystal Fairy and the Magical Cactus (2013): Everyone loves the Atacama Desert! And director Sebastián Silva makes that clear. The movie tells us about a young American who visits Chile for the purpose of trying a hallucinogenic cactus called San Pedro, that can be found in the north of the country. During his adventure he meets Crystal, a young woman from San Francisco who will join him.

This film shows the immensity of the Atacama Desert, its magic and breathtaking landscapes.

Press play here: https://bit.ly/3bxX5aQ

6.- Violeta Went to Heaven (2011): A dramatic film by director Andrés Wood, which offers us a carefully elaborated portrait of the famous Chilean artist and folk singer, Violeta Parra, taking us from her childhood to the day of her death, and covering every facet of her music, her memories, lovers and artwork.

 Based on the book by Angel Parra, the movie takes a tour through the Chilean countryside, its customs and traditions, and offers an unforgettable stroll through bohemian Santiago. A must-see for those who love good photography and the work of this great Chilean artist.

Enjoy the movie here: https://bit.ly/39nHwBi

7.- Lost North (2017): By director Fernando Lavanderos, this road movie tells the story of Esteban, a young romantic who travels the road to the north of Chile following in the footsteps of his beloved Isabel. Along the way, he stops in different villages and meets different people, leading him to detour a bit from his initial objective.

This film an entertaining tour through the north of Chile, where you can observe its amazing desert and oasis landscapes, while also learning about the daily lives of its inhabitants.

Watch it here: https://bit.ly/39uNVKM

8.- Ema (2019): This movie by Pablo Larraín tells the story of a couple, Ema and Gaston, both dancers, who decide to return their adopted son, after recognizing that they are in over their heads. Ema, who is unhappy and regretting their decision, comes up with a plan to get him back.

The plot takes place in Valparaiso, the cultural capital of Chile, using its colorful hills, traditional public funiculars and attractive bohemian nightlife as the main backdrop, confirming just how fascinating and vibrant this city is.

Watch the trailer here: https://bit.ly/2UHUh4k

9.- Cielo (2017): This film by director Alison McAlpine, is a documentary that shares the perspectives of planet hunters who come to the astronomy observatories in the Atacama Desert, and narrates part of the life of the desert dwellers and workers. Always in connection to star and planet observation, the film invites us to ponder the infinite and unknown.

The movie has an incredible cinematography that shows the clearness of the Chilean skies, a true window to the universe.  A must-see for astrotourism lovers.

Watch it here: https://bit.ly/2ycx6HF

10.- Bailes Chinos (2012): Created by Rafael Contreras Mühlenbrock and Daniel González  Hernández, this is a touching documentary on the religious festivities held in different parts of the north of Chile around the image of the virgin.

In just 10 minutes, you can observe this important tradition that fills the local desert landscapes with color, joy and music.

See it here: https://bit.ly/2w42ebQ