- “Whisky” (2004): Directed by Juan Pablo Rebella and Pablo Stoll, this drama-comedy follows the mundane life of a factory owner in Montevideo. It explores themes of loneliness and human connection.
- “The Pope’s Toilet” (2007): Directed by César Charlone and Enrique Fernández, this film is based on a true story and is set in a small Uruguayan town. It portrays the struggles of a local man who builds a toilet to profit from pilgrims flocking to see the Pope during his visit.
- “Gigante” (2009): Directed by Adrián Biniez, this romantic comedy-drama revolves around a shy supermarket security guard who becomes infatuated with one of the female cleaners working there. It offers a perspective on love and obsession.
- “Bad Day for Fishing” (2009): Directed by Álvaro Brechner, this film is set in a small Uruguayan fishing village. It tells the story of a former soccer player who becomes a wrestling promoter but struggles to find success. It’s a mix of drama, comedy, and quirkiness.
- “The Silent House” (2010): Directed by Gustavo Hernández, this horror-thriller is known for its innovative use of a single continuous shot. It follows a young woman and her father who experience a series of unsettling events while renovating an old family house.
- “The Shipyard” (El Astillero) by Juan Carlos Onetti: This novel is considered a masterpiece of Latin American literature. Set in the fictional town of Santa María, it explores existential themes and the decay of society as seen through the eyes of the protagonist, Larsen.
- “The Invisible Mountain” (La montaña invisible) by Carolina De Robertis: This epic multigenerational novel follows three women across a century of Uruguayan history. It touches on themes such as identity, love, and political turmoil.
- “The Seamstress and the Wind” (La costurera y el viento) by César Aira: This surreal novel narrates the journey of a seamstress who embarks on an adventure with a circus performer. It is a playful and imaginative story with elements of magical realism.
- “Open Veins of Latin America” (Las venas abiertas de América Latina) by Eduardo Galeano: While not strictly a novel, this non-fiction work has had a significant impact. Written in an essay-like format, it provides a historical analysis of Latin America, including Uruguay, focusing on issues of colonisation, exploitation, and social injustice.
- “The Tree of Christ” (El árbol de la cruz) by María Luisa Bombal: This novel tells the story of Isabel, a young woman living in rural Uruguay in the early 1900s. It explores themes of desire, repression, and the search for personal freedom.
WANDERLIST: Uruguay in books and on film
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