Director and producer Hernán Caffiero has unveiled his latest series,Raza Brava, a work that delves into the social memory of Chile's working-class neighborhoods and the culture of football ultras. Produced by DeCulto, the series seeks to portray the reality of these fans beyond the media scandals and violence.
As reported by elmostrador.cl, the series avoids 'cultural extractivism' and morbid fascination, focusing instead on the history that precedes the violence. Caffiero, a Colo-Colo supporter since 1986, drew upon his deep understanding of local customs to film in areas such as Bajos de Mena and El Beta, in southern Pudahuel.
Living Memory and Authenticity
The series stands out by featuring actual members of the Garra Blanca ultras, whose presence brings a level of authenticity that professional actors could not replicate. The narrative includes historical episodes, such as the 1998 arrest of nearly one hundred Colo-Colo fans in Argentina.
During the presentation, Mauricio Valenzuela, known as “El Huaso,” confirmed the accuracy of the events depicted. “That’s how it was. They had us kneeling for six hours,” Valenzuela recounted, according to elmostrador.cl, describing the scene without drama, as if it were a common occurrence from his past.
The production also explores the internal sociology of the ultras, revealing a world of strict rules, ranks, and codes of conduct. One such example is an anecdote involving actor Gabriel Muñoz, who attempted to climb onto the roof of a bus during a trip to the stadium, only to be stopped by a fan who warned him that, if a fight breaks out, everyone must stay on the ground.
Raza Bravahas already garnered international recognition, having been selected for film festivals in Berlin and Guadalajara. The four-part series avoids idealization, instead highlighting the loyalties and the precarious nature of the communities it portrays.
