Step into the world of architectural photography and witness a grand photographic project in the mesmerizing documentary, "La Foto - Revealing Salmona’s Architectural Masterpiece." Follow the intrepid architectural photographer, Mike Butler, as he embarks on a journey to capture the essence of the renowned Virgilio Barco Library in Bogota, Colombia.

In the mid-2000s, fueled by a thirst for challenges and a passion for Colombian culture, Mike sets out to showcase the depth and beauty of the Colombian community through his artistic vision. Drawn to the complex and audacious nature of the library, he sees this project as a moral obligation of artists to give back as much as they take. Determined to attempt the seemingly impossible, Mike envisions photographs that go beyond the ordinary, lighting the intricate details of the architecture like no one has done before or since.

The journey is not without its obstacles, and unpredictable weather, sickness on the crew and long cold nights add layers of complexity to an already near impossible dream. Yet, from adversity blooms creativity, and a chance shot of the connection bridge reveals a captivating new angle, enriching the project beyond expectations.

Collaboration proves to be the key to success, and Mike's team, including the invaluable support of Fania and Diego, breathes life into the project. Together, they embark on a transformative exploration of Salmona's architectural brilliance.

For Mike, lighting becomes the heart of his artistic expression, infusing his images with a unique glow that reinvents the space and captivates the viewers. The results are awe-inspiring and one-of-a-kind, impossible to duplicate, making the library's magic tangible for all to see.

The journey unfolds like a novel, starting with a casual remark that sparks an unstoppable momentum. Approval by the Minister of Education, meetings with local politician Fernando Rojas, and long, cold nights within the library's heart, each moment adds depth to the documentary's narrative.

"Bogota Reflections" offers a novel approach to revealing Salmona's architectural genius, unveiling the library as a gem within Bogota's landscape. The film serves as a clarion call for cities to prioritize people-centric designs, drawing inspiration from the library's enchanting architecture.

Prepare to be captivated by the rawness and grandeur of Salmona's work, intertwined with the behind-the-scenes journey of a dedicated film crew. The documentary captures the essence of the library and its creator, reminding us that art is a continuum of individual visions that can inspire generations to come.

Join us on a visual odyssey that transcends boundaries, where light meets form, and architecture transcends reality. "Bogota Reflections: Unveiling Salmona's Genius" is more than just a documentary; it's an artistic tribute to the power of creativity and collaboration. Let your imagination soar as we delve into the soul of a city's architectural masterpiece, celebrating the magic of Salmona's legacy.

BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF THE ARCHITECT ROGELIO SALMONA

Rogelio Salmona (1927-2007) was a renowned Colombian architect, considered one of the most important in his country and in Latin America. He was born in Paris, France and settled in Colombia from an early age. Salmona is known for its unique architectural style, in which it fused modern elements with Colombian architectural tradition and the influence of pre-Columbian architecture.

Poetry, architecture is poetry, something deeply felt that is translated through a constructed metaphor. Something like what Apollinaire meant when in some verses he asked to give the present ruins as beautiful as those that survived time. Furthermore, I believe that architecture should not be done anywhere. It must be done in precise, characteristic places, where there are important emotional connotations. Not so much thinking about how people experience places, but about how they would like to live in them.

PHOTOGRAPHS OF MIKE BUTLER

Mike Butler, a celebrated architectural photographer and visionary image creator with three decades of expertise, shines in the realm of architectural and interior photography. Operating from Miami, Florida, and Raleigh, North Carolina, Mike has produced breathtaking visuals for industry titans such as Hilton, Marriott, Waldorf Astoria, and CBRE, along with notable architecture firm CRTKL. His exceptional talent has earned him a spot on the exclusive Hilton Luxury Brand photographers list, marking him as one of the few globally recognized for this honor.

BIOGRAPHY OF EDITOR BETTSY BÄTTIG

I am a passionate editor recognized for my contributions to Venezuelan independent cinema. Since I began experimenting with manual editing of BETAMAX and VHS tapes in the 80s, I knew it was my true calling. After studying Electronic Engineering, I entered the world of film as a lighting assistant and finally focused on post-production. Through work at the University of Zulia and the film school at the University of Los Andes, I honed my skills and consolidated my path as an editor. Today, I remain dedicated to the art of bringing stories to life, leaving a mark in each field I explore and remaining steadfast in my passion and dedication.