‘Birds of Passage’ Trailer: ‘Embrace of the Serpent’ Team Traces the Origin Story of the Colombian Drug Trade

The creative team behind 2015’s Oscar-nominated “Embrace of the Serpent” are returning, this time to tackle the origins of the Colombian drug trade. The latest film is called “Birds of Passage,” and it was directed by Cristina Gallego and Ciro Guerra, the producer and director of “Serpent.” No release date has been announced for the film, but IndieWire has the exclusive first trailer for what is sure to be another stunning tour de force.

While not much is known about the film, the creators did provide a short synopsis: “‘Birds of Passage’ charts the origins of the Colombian drug trade, through the epic story of an indigenous Wayuu family that becomes involved in the booming business of selling marijuana to American youth in the 1970s. When greed, passion and honor collide, a fratricidal war breaks out that will put their lives, their culture and their ancestral traditions at stake.”

The trailer is full of stunning shots marked by unexpected compositions and locations. Introducing a strong presence early on, the Wayuu family matriarch is a force to be reckoned with, seemingly running the operation with an iron grip. “Do you know why I’m respected? Because I’m capable of anything for my family and my clan,” she says. We quickly see a prisoner on his knees in silhouette, foreboding haunting consequences for any who cross the family.

“Embrace of the Serpent” screenwriter Jacques Toulemande penned the script, along with Maria Camila Arias. Original “Serpent” cinematographer David Gallego returns as well.

Check out the first trailer for “Birds of Passage” below.