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Between Books and Hopes: The Legacy of Isaías Salas

“Between Books and Hopes: The Legacy of Isaías Salas” is a moving documentary that portrays the story of Isaías Romero Salas Monterroza, a community leader who, since 2016 and through the Fundación Cultura Ambiental para la Paz, has been sowing knowledge, books, and dreams among children and youth in vulnerable communities of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. This documentary takes us into the most unequal neighborhoods of Cartagena, where Isaías has created safe and creative spaces that promote imagination, reading, and critical thinking as tools for social transformation. Through the testimonies of girls and boys who participate in his activities, the voice of Maryoris Herrera —a reading mediator and close collaborator—, and the reflections of Isaías himself, the story comes to life among books, smiles, and hope, reminding us of the power of culture to change realities.

  • Boris Camilo Johnson
    Director
  • Boris Camilo Johnson
    Writer
  • Michel Esther Gomez
    Writer
  • Valentina Batista
    Producer
  • Isabela Cuentas Hernandez
    Producer
  • Boris Camilo Johnson
    Producer
  • Isaias Salas Monterroza
    Key Cast
  • Maryoriz Herrera
    Key Cast
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    "Entre Libros y Esperanzas: La huella de Isaías Salas"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Social Documentary, Educational Documentary, Testimonial Documentary, Biographical/profile Documentary, Community-based cinema (approach)
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 28, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Colombia
  • Country of Filming:
    Colombia
  • Language:
    Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Universidad Tecnologica de Bolivar
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Ceremonia de Lideres Sociales UTB
    Cartagena
    Colombia
    May 28, 2025
Director Biography - Boris Camilo Johnson

Boris Camilo Johnson Cortes is a Colombian filmmaker and social communication student at UTB (Universidad Tecnológica de Bolívar). In 2024, he was awarded Best One-Minute Film at the Inclucine Festival for Catarsis, a student production in which he served as both editor and actor. The film stood out among international entries from Croatia and Turkey, recognized for its emotional depth and impactful message.

In 2025, Boris directed the documentary Between Books and Hopes: The Legacy of Isaías Salas Monterroza, which premiered during UTB's Social Leaders Ceremony. The documentary highlights the transformative work of Isaías Salas in vulnerable communities of Cartagena. Boris continues to develop his creative voice through socially driven storytelling that blends aesthetics, empathy, and community impact.

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Director Statement

This documentary was born from a deep admiration for those who, with very little, create transformative change in their communities. Isaías Salas represents the kind of silent leadership that often goes unnoticed but changes lives. As a director, I felt a responsibility to amplify his story -not just as a tribute, but as a call to recognize the power of culture, education, and empathy in the most vulnerable places.

Through Between Books and Hopes, I wanted to capture not only Isaías' impact, but also the voices of the children who grow and dream through his efforts. My approach was rooted in listening: letting the community speak, honoring their rhythm, and allowing emotion to guide the narrative. I believe that stories like this are essential to understanding how grassroots movements, when led by heart, can transform realities.

Isaías brings books to places that even government institutions fail to reach. In these neglected corners of Cartagena, Colombia his presence becomes an act of hope - offering children the chance to read, imagine, and feel seen. His work reminds us that education is not just a right, but a bridge to dignity. With this short documentary, I hope viewers are moved to recognize the everyday heroes who, like Isaías, carry change on their shoulders one book at a time.