Among so many films focusing on the history of the drug crime in Colombia and even glorification of Pablo Escobar, dubbed “The King of Cocaine”, there has not been any documentary about the other side. ISABEL is a short documentary about a woman who was born in narcoterrorism, her family torn apart, and her long treacherous journey of escape from Medellin and final settling place in Cartegena. It also depicts her close relationship with her daughter who recognizes her mother’s identity through stories of suffering and survival. Filmed & directed by Louis Lam, December 2024
SPECIAL THANKS
Maria Isabel Perez, Sara Sofia Bernal Perez
and family
Awarded Best Short Documentary at the Berlin Indie Film Festival in January 2026.
PRESS RELEASE
"A very deep and emotional film. Life-affirming. It so frankly, simply, and beautifully conveys the incredibly difficult life journey of a woman worthy of respect during troubled and dark times.
Thank you!"
-Johan
"Finally a documentary that bluntly rejects the romanticization of Pablo Escobar. Isabel’s verdict that Escobar was no hero, but a source of of evil is a vital reality check! Excellent work!"
-Ayumi Kobayashi
"It is an antidote to Hollywood narco thrillers! You can see the REAL price of violence told
by a real survivor!"
-Lika Kvirikashvili
"Deeply emotional"
-Paulo Costa
"I liked the animation here. Awesome!"
-Lorena Passero