Bettina Perut, Ivan Osnovikoff

Bettina Perut and Iván Osnovikoff are two of Chile’s most admired and respected filmmakers. Pioneers of contemporary Chilean documentary, they emerged during the documentary film revival in Chile in the early 2000s and have been key figures in shaping its landscape.

In 2020, they were invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as a significant recognition of their contributions to the field of documentary film.

Their early films, such as Martín Vargas de Chile (2001) and Un hombre aparte (2003), established their signature style: a raw and intimate portrait of eccentric characters on the margins of society. These films, often employing a discreet observer approach, captured the struggles and contradictions of their subjects with empathy and unwavering honesty.

As their careers progressed, Perut and Osnovikoff began to experiment more with form and narrative. The Death of Pinochet (2011) explored the complex emotions and social tensions surrounding the death of the former dictator.

In recent years, their work has become increasingly poetic and visually striking. Surire (2015), a meditative exploration of the Atacama Desert, demonstrated their talent for capturing the beauty and desolation of the Chilean landscape. Los Reyes (2018), which followed the lives of two stray dogs in a skate park, was a critical and commercial success, further cementing their reputation as innovative and insightful filmmakers.

Throughout their careers, Perut and Osnovikoff have consistently challenged conventional notions of documentary filmmaking. They have rejected moralizing perspectives, taken creative risks, and expanded the boundaries of form and narrative. Their films offer a unique and often provocative perspective on Chilean society, exploring its complexities, contradictions, and hidden facets.