From the Colombian plains to the Ecuadorian oil fields, the seventh art demonstrates its power for change, serving as a tool for community development and strengthening ties between people.

In educational spaces and in different settings in the city of Villavicencio, Colombia, people attended film screenings and workshops as part of the first Film Festival organized by Tecpetrol. Paola Santofimio, Community Relations Senior Supervisor and event coordinator, was watching the action from the sidelines. "There was so much excitement and anticipation! The films covered a wide range of themes that completely captivated the audiences. We also hosted workshops on scriptwriting, directing, and acting for both young people and adults from local educational institutions," she shared. For three days, from July 23 to 25, the main urban center of the Eastern Plains region transformed into a vibrant cinematic hub. 

On July 28, the festival moved to Puerto Triunfo, a rural community near the company’s operations. Around 350 people gathered to witness the magic unfold. “They were amazed just by the quality of the screen we brought,” Paola recalls. The appearance of Julio Pachón, a well-known actor here, caused a stir. “People couldn’t believe it,' she adds. Reflecting with an anthropologist’s eye, she notes, “The social context isn’t easy, but the young people were thrilled—completely engrossed in the movie.” For her, the festival is more than entertainment; it’s a window into other realities. And for many of the viewers, it was the first time they were able to feel part of something bigger, a narrative that included them and made them the protagonists.

With 1,200 spectators in Villavicencio and 72 participants in the workshops, the festival marked a veritable milestone. The screenings attracted an incredibly diverse audience: from young students to adults who hadn’t set foot in a movie theater for years. Each performance was a small reveal, a moment of discovery. "The idea is to keep it going because it was so well received," Paola says, viewing cinema as a tool for community development. "It’s important to keep promoting these spaces, especially in rural communities where access is limited," she concludes. In the end, it wasn’t just the images on the screen or the film titles that stayed with people—it was a sense of belonging. This is how art becomes a bridge connecting communities.

The Children's Film Festival, a winter tradition in Neuquén, Argentina

The Patagonian winds blow fitfully around the building as Andrea Fernández, Community Relations Manager, reviews the list of films for the Children's Film Festival, which the company has been organizing since 2018. The Neuquén Basin is a vast territory and there are screenings planned in even the tiniest of its communities: from Neuquén city to Añelo, Rincón de los Sauces, Senillosa, and even Sauzal Bonito, a town so small that its incorporation into the circuit in 2023 was a major affair. With 6,400 spectators to date, the festival has become a winter holiday tradition. On the day of the event, every child arrives brimming with excitement, eager for a large cone of popcorn and ready to dive into the magical world of cinema. “It’s about bringing films to them and giving them the chance to experience movies in all their glory for the first time,” says Andrea after wrapping up this year’s edition.

When the camp turns into a movie theater in Ecuador

In the video room, Marco Caldas, Field Personnel Administration Specialist, adjusts the giant screen that looms over the room. “At the Libertador Field, we gather in the camp's video room to enjoy movies together. We whip up all kinds of snacks—popcorn, chicken wings, fried tortillas, nachos with cheese. We share everything!” Marco says, his voice full of enthusiasm. He knows these get-togethers are about much more than just watching a movie or a football match, especially for those who are working far from home. The gatherings are a way to strengthen human connections. When the movie ends and the lights come back up, Marco looks around at his colleagues, seeing how cinema and camaraderie combine to offer comfort and respite.