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 began 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. Quilombo Country provides a glimpse into these communities, with extensive footage of ceremonies, dances and lifestyles, interwoven with discussions about their history and the issues most important to them currently.
The film takes place in three distinct settings: The Trombetas region of the Amazon, Marajo Island at the mouth of the Amazon River, and the Itapicuru-Mirim area in the state of Maranhao.
Narrated by Chuck D of Public Enemy.
"Quilombo Country is a wonderful documentary about the African and indigenous cultural heritage of the northern Brazilian hinterland, a region that is seldom represented in the media." - Chris Dunn, PhD, Tulane University
"... the film succeeds in showing how the communities have survived more than a century of economic, political, social and cultural struggle against an array of forces...The film emphasizes that despite the society's racism, hostility and indifference, the quilombolos' pride and joy in their history and survival is profound. In fact, Quilombo Country repeatedly underlines how independence and sovereignty, in the face of constant duress, demanded that the quilombolos develop a range of skills, from farming and hunting to construction and river navigation that the descendents have retained. The film shows a rich and vibrant material and spiritual culture." - John K., j's theater
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Institutional: $200.00
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