La Luz por Primera Vez

Storyline

Natalia Pinilla, photographer and activist, embarks on a journey across Santander, Norte de Santander, and Madrid, Spain, to uncover the work of Amalia Ramírez, a forgotten woman who, at the beginning of the 20th century, captured one of the most impactful images in Colombian history: the pyramid of skulls at Palonegro, a brutal symbol of the Thousand Days' War. More than a century later, this photograph resurfaces, establishing Amalia as the country's first female photographer. Along the way, she discovers previously unseen archives, connects with descendants unaware of her legacy, and finds a contemporary echo of her struggle in other women photographers. Through historical revelations and intimate encounters, the documentary reconstructs not only Amalia's work but also the memory of a country scarred by violence. The rediscovery of her photographs—portraits, everyday scenes, and forgotten visual testimonies—transforms her into a symbol of resistance, art, and memory.