When the devils dance

In the heart of Pillaro, a small town in Ecuador, a spectacular tradition comes alive every year: the Diablada. This documentary immerses viewers in the lives of those who, from a young age, dress as devils and other iconic characters, meticulously crafting their costumes and preparing for months to bring this ancestral celebration to life from January 1st to 6th.

Through transformative masks and tireless dancers, we discover how the community preserves its heritage and strengthens its cultural identity. ‘When the Devils Dance’ is more than a story of costumes and dance — it is an intimate journey into the collective spirit of a people, where every step, mask, and gesture tells the story of a tradition kept alive year after year, generation after generation.