La película sobre el origen del Señor de los Milagros se estrena en Madrid: ‘El pintor de los milagros’

Madrid is set to host the premiere of the Peruvian historical drama 'El pintor de los milagros' on October 17, 2026, offering audiences a cinematic exploration into the roots of one of Peru’s most revered religious traditions. This film precedes its official release in Peruvian cinemas scheduled for October 29, marking a significant cultural event for both the Peruvian diaspora in Spain and lovers of Hispanic American cinema.

The film delves into the origins of the Señor de los Milagros, a religious devotion whose procession colors the streets of Lima purple every October. Central to this devotion is a mural of Christ that survived the catastrophic earthquakes of the 17th century, painted on an adobe wall in Pachacamilla. However, the movie shifts the spotlight onto Benito, an enslaved Afro-Peruvian painter whose creation became a symbol of faith and resistance.

Directed by Alex Hidalgo Gonzales, 'El pintor de los milagros' presents a dual narrative structure, weaving present-day journalistic inquiry with historical reenactment. The story follows Francisco, a journalist investigating archival records in Lima to uncover the authentic story behind the Christ image’s veneration. His research transports viewers back to 1651, illuminating the life and struggles of Benito, who expressed his spirituality and sought dignity through his mural art amid the hardships of colonial Peru.

The production has garnered strong institutional support within Peru, including endorsements from the Brotherhood of Señor de los Milagros de las Nazarenas, the Afro-Peruvian Parliamentary Group, and the Society of Audiovisual Artists. This backing underscores the film’s cultural significance and its dedication to honoring Afro-Peruvian heritage often marginalized in historical narratives.

Featuring a cast that blends well-known Peruvian actors such as Julián Legaspi with emerging talents Omar Cruz and William Be, the film aims to authentically portray the layered identities and historical contexts of its characters. Its arrival in Madrid coincides with the traditional 'Mes Morado' festivities, a strategic timing that enriches the film’s resonance with the Peruvian community abroad and invites international audiences to engage with a story of art as spiritual resistance.

The screenings will take place at Cine Artistic Metropol, located at Calle Cigarreras 6, with sessions at 18:00 and 20:00, accessible via Metro Puerta de Toledo and Embajadores stations. This premiere event not only celebrates a key piece of Peruvian religious culture but also highlights the intersection of art, history, and identity within the colonial experience.

By tracing the narrative of an enslaved artist whose work survived natural disasters and centuries of silence, 'El pintor de los milagros' reclaims a critical chapter in Peru’s cultural memory. The film invites reflection on how Afro-descendant contributions have shaped national symbols and collective faith.

With its blend of investigative drama and historical storytelling, the movie offers a fresh perspective on the Señor de los Milagros, emphasizing the resilience and creative expression of marginalized communities in the face of adversity. The Madrid premiere promises to extend this dialogue beyond Peruvian borders, fostering greater appreciation for the complexities of Latin American colonial history through cinema.

While further details about the film’s broader distribution and reception remain limited, its debut in Spain represents a meaningful step in amplifying Afro-Peruvian narratives on the international stage, reaffirming the power of film as a medium for cultural recovery and historical justice.