Nelson Carlos De Los Santos Arias Creates Post-Colonial Fable ‘Pepe,’ Taking on Pablo Escobar’s Infamous Zoo: ‘Imagination Isn’t Owned by Disney’
variety.comMarta Balaga In “Pepe,” Nelson Carlos De Los Santos Arias tells the story of a very special hippopotamus. Or rather, he allows the hippopotamus to tell the story himself. “Pablo Escobar brought three hippos to Colombia back in 1981.
He was ‘the pioneer’ among drug lords investing in exotic pets. When he had to abandon his mansion [Naples Estate] and flee, there were so many of them.
Lions, elephants,” recounts the Dominican director. But it was the hippos that managed to adapt to their new environment, taking advantage of South American rivers. “It’s the first wild herd outside of Africa.
Initially, there was this alpha male Pablito and Pepe fought him and he lost. He was the first male who left the herd. To the people who saw him, he seemed like a monster!” Soon, a hunt was well on its way. “When I finished [previous film] ‘Cocote,’ I was so tired.
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