Bogota Change

(Bogota Change) Director: Andreas M. Dalsgaard , DK, 2009, original version / English and Czech subtitles, 58 min

The Colombian capital Bogotá (population seven million) was one of the most dangerous cities in the world before 1994. Kidnappings and killings were commonplace, while drug cartels controlled both the police and the authorities in a city marked by chaos. Nevertheless, two politicians succeeded in turning Bogotá around. The first of them, the "crazy" Antanas Mockus from the National University of Colombia, first came to public attention when he pulled his trousers down in front of a crowd of demonstrating students. Regarded as a symbol of sincerity, he was the first independent candidate elected as Bogotá's mayor. He succeeded in reducing traffic congestion and road deaths and instilled a sense of "citizenship" in voters. He was followed by Enrique Penalosa, who continued the renewal of the city while advancing democratic principles. Penalosa oversaw the creation of a public transport network, bicycle paths, libraries in the suburbs, parks and playgrounds. Andreas M. Dalsgaard's film shows just how much success in local politics can be linked to the moral character of individuals.