Birds of Passage is a 2018 Colombian drama film directed by Cristina Gallego and Ciro Guerra. The film revolves around an indigenous Wayuu family in northern Colombia, who become involved in the booming marijuana trade in the 1970s.
Rapayet, played by José Acosta, starts selling marijuana to American Peace Corps volunteers to earn money for his dowry so he can marry Zaida, played by Natalia Reyes. With the help of his business partner, Moisés, played by Jhon Narváez, Rapayet starts to establish a successful drug empire.
As the drug trade becomes more violent and ruthless, the family is pulled into a deadly war with other drug trafficking groups. Rapayet's friendship with an American drug dealer brings more trouble, eventually leading to a brutal confrontation that threatens to destroy the entire family.
The film explores themes of family, tradition, and culture, as the Wayuu people struggle to maintain their ancient way of life amidst the chaos of the drug trade. Birds of Passage received critical acclaim for its stunning visuals, powerful storytelling, and powerful performances from the cast.
