Birds of Passage 2019

In the tumultuous backdrop of the late 1960s, Zaida (Natalia Reyes), a spirited young woman hailing from the esteemed Pushaina lineage, reaches a pivotal moment in her life. She meets Rapayet (José Acosta), who expresses his desire to marry her. However, Zaida’s mother, Úrsula (Carmiña Martínez), demands a substantial dowry reflecting their family’s standing.

The plot thickens when Rapayet encounters a group of white American Peace Corps volunteers who are in dire need of marijuana. Teaming up with his friend Moisés (Jhon Narváez), they visit Rapayet’s cousin Gabriel who cultivates marijuana. Impressed by the quality of their product, one of the Americans proposes a lucrative drug export deal to Rapayet. With the revenue from this venture, Rapayet successfully pays off Zaida’s dowry, although it raises Úrsula’s suspicions about his dealings with outsiders.

Fast forward a few years, Rapayet and Zaida are blissfully married, and their drug export business flourishes into a substantial operation. Moisés encourages Rapayet to branch out and collaborate with other growers, but Rapayet remains loyal to his cousin Gabriel. During a critical transaction, Rapayet discovers that the Americans are involved with rival growers. Tensions escalate when Moisés inflicts violence on two men involved in the deal, prompting Rapayet to intervene and ultimately sever ties with him to maintain their friendship. This decision leads to tragic consequences, as Moisés retaliates by murdering Gabriel and his entire family, forcing Rapayet into a corner where he must take hostile action against his former friend.

With the backing of the Pushaina clan, Rapayet navigates through the chaos by forming a new alliance with Gabriel’s brother, Aníbal (Juan Bautista Martínez), albeit at a steeper price. As the 1970s draw to a close, Rapayet’s family enjoys newfound wealth but faces challenges when they are summoned to Gabriel’s second funeral. Tensions flare between the families when Leonídas (Greider Meza), the youngest son of Úrsula, embarrasses himself and the clan, leading to a series of events that spiral into violence and betrayal.

In an attempt to avert an all-out war, Rapayet sends a messenger with an offer to Aníbal, who, in a shocking turn, executes the messenger, signifying a breach of Wayuu traditions and respect. This breach sends Zaida and their children into hiding as whispers of dissent spread, and disillusioned clans begin to walk away from the Pushaina family, which once stood strong.

With tensions escalating, Úrsula resorts to extreme measures, kidnapping her daughter and grandchildren in a bid to prevent Rapayet from returning home. The situation continues to deteriorate as Aníbal harbors a vengeful spirit, culminating in a brutal assault on Rapayet’s home. The aftermath leaves behind devastation, with only Indira (Aslenis Márquez), the daughter of Zaida and Rapayet, surviving the ravages of clan enmity.

In a final act of desperation, Úrsula urges Indira to escape with Leonídas, but faced with his incapacitated state, she must courageously embark on her journey alone. The tragic end sees Aníbal tracking down Rapayet, sealing the fate of both families, culminating in a cycle of violence and loss beneath the looming shadows of their once-respected traditions.