In late December 2004, more than 4,000 fans gathered at the Republica de la Cromagñon nightclub in Buenos Aires for a performance by the rock band Los Callejeros. The space was well above the club’s capacity of 1,500, while a number of routes were padlocked or blocked off to prevent people from entering without paying.
When a fan shot a flare into the air – something Argentinian fans regularly do at major events – the pyrotechnic material set fire to the interior decor, which consisted mainly of highly flammable materials such as Styrofoam. The building erupted in a fire that claimed 194 lives and injured nearly 1,500. With few available escape routes, little to no fire suppression systems and a full club, pandemonium broke out at Cromagñon.
The fire quickly spread one of the most devastating tragedies in Argentine history. To mark the twentieth anniversary of the disaster, a short stop-motion film was made entitled “LONA‘ poignantly commemorates the loss of the community. The title refers to “canvas,” like sneakers, and Malena Martinez directed and animated the film.
The work focuses on pairs of shoes dancing to upbeat music and evokes joyful gatherings with friends to let loose and enjoy a concert. As the camaraderie continues, flowers begin to sprout from each sneaker, growing into a vivid reminder of the lives lost in the fire.
