After a certain period away from cinematic appreciation, 2024 indirectly allowed me to reconnect with contemporary international cinema. Although I initially considered writing extensive reviews for each film, I opted to share short but concise impressions. As a viewer, I prefer brief recommendations before watching a movie and in-depth analyses afterward, when I can engage with other perspectives without fear of spoilers.

In December of last year, while the city was preparing for the festivities, I had the opportunity to return to the Nuevo Circo Cultural Complex, a building that encapsulates over a hundred years of Caracas history within its walls. This architectural monument, inaugurated in 1919, represents one of the best examples of the neo-Moorish style influenced architecture in Venezuela, with its characteristic arches and ornamentation.

During a stroll through downtown Caracas, the distant sound of drums caught our attention. As we got closer, we saw it was a new Chinese restaurant in the area, from where the source of that mysterious percussion originated, initially difficult for me to identify.

Founded in 1593 on a pre-existing indigenous settlement, La Victoria developed around the agricultural activities of the estates that populated its fertile valley. Over time, it consolidated as the main urban center for neighboring towns like San Mateo and Zuata, El Consejo, Las Tejerías, among others, forging its own identity among the towns of the Aragua valley.

After more than a decade, I returned to La Victoria, a city nestled in the heart of the Aragua valleys. This visit allowed me to rediscover its streets with a renewed perspective, especially its historic center, where restoration efforts have borne fruit in preserving its architectural heritage.

The contrast between the outbound and return journey was remarkable. While the initial land trip took over fourteen exhausting hours, including a river crossing by canoe (under a spectacular starry sky), the return flight offered a completely different perspective and considerable relief in terms of time and comfort.