EL PESO DE LA NIEVE / THE WEIGHT OF SNOW

Documentary Feature Film

In the far south of Chilean Patagonia, ageing gauchos, known as puesteros, live and work alone for months at a time across vast private ranches. Working and living on land they do not own, their options narrow as their bodies age: some continue as long as their bodies will allow, others adapt or are forced to leave this traditional life behind entirely. Set against an ongoing drought, the film quietly observes daily labour and solitude, waiting with them for the long-anticipated snowfall, which promises a fleeting sense of relief within an uncertain future.

Documentary feature film in post-production, Approx. 93 mins. Directed by Matias Bolla, produced by Carolina Sorensen of People Productions (Australia), co-produced by Cristian Valle Celedon of Wolf Producciones (Chile).

Development Journey

2022 - Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) FACTory New Talent Showcase - Winner of the Doc Edge Prize (as Campesinos)

2022 - Art & Impact Fellowship Australia - Doc Society in partnership with AIDC (as Campesinos)

2024 - Shortlisted for The Whickers Film & TV Funding Award (as Los Puesteros)

2024 - Conecta ‘Conectados’ (as Los Puesteros)

2025 - Antenna Rough Cut Lab (as Los Puesteros)

2026 - Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) FACTory Rough Cut Showcase

2026 - Sheffield DocFest MeetMarket Rough Cuts

Confirmed Project Financiers
Screen Australia (Development)
Screen NSW (Development)
Documentary Australia (philanthropic funding via Donor Advised Fund).

Donate to our project through the Documentary Australia Fund.

Alongside the feature film, we have collaborated with photographer Pie Aerts on a photography book / monograph titled Coirón.