The peace agreement between FARC guerrillas and the Colombian Government throws the country into chaos. What happens to a fragile peace in an unequal country if doing the 'wrong' thing may easily be justified as the only means of struggle?
Ernesto is one of many FARC guerrillas who dream about a better country worth fighting for, but this time without a weapon. After 52 years of armed conflict, the FARC guerrillas are about to hand over their arms in exchange for social changes and political participation.
However, as Ernesto is taking his first steps towards politics and normal life, the much-celebrated peace agreement throws Colombia into chaos. Many Colombians want to rescue the country from the FARC terrorists, among them a passionate right-wing politician and a descendant of Spanish conquistadors. Meanwhile, the farmers cultivating coca could escape poverty, but only if the peace agreement is respected.
While Colombia faces a crucial opportunity for change, Ernesto and the polarized society around him are driven into a situation in which everyone fears for the future and their own survival. Many think the war is senseless, but can find a justification for it and are willing to take justice into their own hands if necessary - even at the cost of peace.
What happens to a fragile peace in an unequal country if doing the 'wrong' thing may easily be justified as the only means of struggle? Colombia in My Arms is an intimate, strong and sincere portrait of people at the extremes of Colombian society depicting controversial dreams about how to achieve a better society to live in. Through the situation of one country, this documentary reflects the human condition on a universal level.
The film was awarded the Dragon Award for Best Nordic Documentary 2020 at Göteborg Film Festival, and has since won many other awards internationally.
