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Walking the black line

Walking the Black Line is a powerful exploration of one of the last remaining pre-Columbian societies, the Kogi, an indigenous people from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia.

The documentary follows the unique friendship between Arregoces, a young Kogi leader, and Lucas, a German author and social entrepreneur, as they journey through two worlds. Central to the film is the Kogi's wisdom regarding the type of thinking—what they call "natural thoughts" versus "artificial thoughts"—that is necessary for the future of humanity. The surprising answer points to our essential role in this equation, specifically through one of our most unexpected and often messy parts: relationships.

The Kogi, as guardians of the heart of the world, share an urgent message of balance and regeneration, urging us to realign with the ancient laws of origin for a prosperous future.

  • Lucas Buchholz
    Producer
  • Kemane Bâ
    Director
    Milimo
  • Holden Jack Roberts Davies
    DOP
    First and Last
  • Sebastian Tobias Rost
    DOP
  • Lucia Xu
    Writer
  • Holden Jack Roberts Davies
    Editor
    First and Last
  • Kemane Bâ
    Editor
    Milimo
  • Anna Magdalena Katharina Reisch
    Subtitles
  • Lucas Emanuel Buchholz
    Subtitles
  • Arregoces Coronado-Zarabata
    Key Cast
    "Kogi leader"
  • Ana Maria Coronado-Mamatacan
    Key Cast
    "Arregoces' daughter"
  • Lucas Emanuel Buchholz
    Key Cast
    "German author and social entrepreneur"
  • Mama Shibulata
    Key Cast
    "Kogi elder"
  • Jate Luciano
    Key Cast
    "Kogi Elder"
  • Mama Atanacio
    Key Cast
    "Kogi elder"
  • Lucas Coronado-Zarabata
    Key Cast
    "Arregoces' brother"
  • Silvestre Coronado-Zarabata
    Key Cast
    "Arregoces' cousin"
  • Tim Chang
    Key Cast
    "Silicon Valley Investor"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 43 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    December 31, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    240,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Germany
  • Country of Filming:
    Colombia, France, Germany, United Arab Emirates
  • Language:
    English, French, German, Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Kemane Bâ

Sounds, colors and story are not only the language of the
subconscious but also Kemane's mother tongue. The multinational film maker grew up with the lore of Senegal, where communication through dance, music, and art is part of everyday life.

Today, he works as a filmmaker, illustrator and animator and explores indigenous lore through different art forms. As a multiethnic West African/European artist, he has heard a big call to build strong bridges over cultural and religious gaps - through film.

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Director Statement

While working on Walking The Black Line, I realized this film wasn’t just about the Kogi; it was about us as humanity. There are 8 billion ways of relating to the Earth, yet 30,000 Kogi have sustained a relationship with her that preserves rather than destroys.

Witnessing the deep commitment of Lucas and Arregoces—both pioneers in their own cultures—gave me the rare chance to depict the unfolding of a friendship with the potential to ignite a global conversation. It’s a dialogue I’ve never encountered in activist circles or even within my own indigenous community.

One lesson from my Senegalese elders stands out: we are, quite literally, one large family. The Kogi have mastered this awareness through their relationship with life itself, offering solutions to global challenges rooted in their timeless wisdom.