The film is highly regarded for its "hypnotic grandeur" and was the first Colombian film to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film . It features dialogue in nine different languages, reflecting the rich linguistic diversity of the Amazon .
Played by Belgian actor Jan Bijvoet, a scientist searching for a cure for his illness in the early 20th century .
Portrayed by Nilbio Torres (as a young shaman) and Antonio Bolívar (as an elder shaman) .