Many years ago, my family experienced first-hand the pain and frustration of being involved in a kidnapping. Two members of my family were kidnapped. When my family paid for their ransom, instead of delivering both hostages as promised, the kidnappers only returned one. This was the beginning of a nationwide manhunt, on the part of the special forces, to find and rescue the missing member. After several months, he was finally found, and the kidnappers were arrested.

About a year later, another family member was also kidnapped. Unfortunately, his fate was even darker. He was murdered. I can still remember the frustration I felt when my family was told not to inquire about the reasons for his murder. They were informed that it was dangerous to investigate who did it, as it could put other family members at risk. That feeling of helplessness, along with the charged emotions from the previous rescue, was the basis and soul behind Towards Darknes (Hacia La Oscuridad). The saddest part, however, was that my family's experience was not uncommon in Colombia. Many of Colombia's people have fallen victim in one way or another to the violence within the country.

Though Towards Darknes (Hacia La Oscuridad) was inspired by true events, it was fictionalized to become a more symbolic and encompassing exploration of the human side of a kidnapping. It is also, beneath the surface, the story of a young man rediscovering and falling in love with his country. The film thrives to show that beautiful side as well.

The 23 day-shoot on the tropical coast, amidst the dilapidated Colonial buildings, the low-income neighborhoods, and the dense jungles did not go without its challenges. In the end, though, the entire crew united to overcome the hardships, and to make a powerful film we are all proud of.