Thursday, January 24, 2008

Quilombo Country

Interesting documentary project on Brazilian slave communities. Here's the intro text from the website:

Quilombo Country,” a documentary film shot in digital video, provides a portrait of rural communities in Brazil that were either founded by runaway slaves or begun from abandoned plantations. This type of community is known as a quilombo, from an Angolan word that means "encampment." As many as 2,000 quilombos exist today.

Contrary to Brazil's national mythology, Brazil was a brutal and deadly place for slaves. But they didn't submit willingly. Thousands escaped, while others led political and militant movements that forced white farmers to leave. Largely unknown to the outside world, today these communities struggle to preserve a rich heritage born of resistance to oppression.

The film ranges from the Northeastern sugar-growing regions to the heart of the Amazon rainforest, raising issues of political identity, land rights, and racial and socioeconomic discrimination. Included are examples of the material culture that allow the quilombolas to survive in relative isolation, including hunting, fishing, construction and agriculture; as well as rare footage of syncretic Umbanda and Pajelança ceremonies; Tambor de Crioula, Carimbó and Boi Bumba drum and dance celebrations; and Festivals of the Mast.

“Quilombo Country” is narrated by Chuck D, the legendary poet, media commentator and leader of the iconic hip hop band Public Enemy.

3 comments:

Rayo 10:24 pm  

Interesting! I am so fascinated by Brazilian culture. I once wrote a paper on the Candomble and other voodoo cults and ever since then, Brazil has captivated my mind.

I hope to visit the place one day.

leonardo,  12:16 am  

Thanks for the mention!
Could you pass the word on this too?
best
Leonard Abrams

Documentary on Maroons of Brazil to Hold World Theatrical Premiere in New York

"Quilombo Country," the award-winning film about Brazilian villages founded by escaped and rebel slaves, will hold its World Theatrical Premiere on Saturday, the 23rd of February [Black History Month] at 8pm at the Anthology Film Archives, 32 2nd Ave. (2nd St.) in New York City, followed by a Q&A with director Leonard Abrams. Go here to buy tickets online.

To commemorate the event and in gratitude to our supporters, we invite all in attendance to a reception after the screening.

If you can't make it to New York, find out how to see the film at www.quilombocountry.com. Journalists and educators may write to [email protected] or call 212-260-7540 in New York to receive a copy for review for publication or possible institutional purchase.

olu 2:16 am  

Im endlessly fascinated by the African diaspora.Such tragic yet inspirational stories.
I mean, if the Haitian revolt ain't a bona fide revolution i don't what is.

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