Discover productions that highlight the culture, history and diversity of indigenous peoples
On April 19, the “National Day of Indigenous Peoples” is celebrated. A tribute to the cultural and historical diversity of the original peoples that inhabit Brazil, the date aims to combat prejudice and demand that the rights of these natives be respected.
Created in 1943, with the name “Indian Day”, the commemoration was adopted in Brazil during the government of Getúlio Vargas. This occurred after the Inter-American Indigenous Congress and pressure from Marechal Rondon, an important supporter of the Brazilian indigenous populations.
Although the name of the date was changed by Law No. 14,402, of 2022, to explain the cultural diversity of the original peoples, the day is still dedicated to the reflection and inclusion of these people in society. Therefore, we have selected 5 films for you to expand your perspective and understand the importance of indigenous peoples for the collective. Look!
1. The Last Forest (2021)
Directed by Luiz Bolognesi, the same director of “Uma História de Amor e Furia”, the documentary fiction portrays the resistance of the Yanomami people to preserve their lives and cultural traditions. While Davi Kopenawa, Yanomami leader, tries to keep alive the spirits of the forest and the customs of his people, the arrival of miners brings death and puts life in the village at risk.
Isolated in the Amazon, the indigenous people are afflicted by diseases and attracted by goods brought by whites. In the midst of afflictions, Ehuana, Davi’s wife, sees her husband disappear and tries to understand what happened from her dreams.
Where to watch: Netflix.
2. Ainbo: The Warrior of the Amazon (2021)
For children, the animation, directed and scripted by Richard Claus, the same director of “Meu Amigo Vampiro”, is one of the highlights of the list. Narrating the story of Ainbo, a girl who was born and raised in the village of Candámo, in Amazon rainforestthe film shows how greed affects the daily lives of indigenous peoples.
After discovering that her tribe is being threatened by other humans, the girl embarks on a dangerous mission to save the Yakuruna. With the help of animal spirits, she fights to erase the evil of white men from the hearts of her people.
Where to watch: Telecine, Prime Video, YouTube and Google Play Filmes e TV.
3. The Fever (2019)
Starring Regis Myrupu, awarded the Golden Leopard at the Locarno Festival, in Switzerland, the plot tells the story of Justino, an indigenous man from Manaus who has lived in the city for 20 years and works as a security guard at the local port.
Based on the connection between the indigenous people and their origins, the story revolves around a mysterious fever that affects Justino. Even far from its people and insecure, the character starts to have strange and inexplicable dreams. However, a series of animal attacks may finally explain what the fever is all about.
Where to watch: Netflix, GloboPlay, YouTube and Google Play Filmes e TV.
4. Former Shaman (2018)
Awarded by the documentary jury of the Berlin Film Festival with the “Honorable Mention” of the Glashütte Original Documentary Award, the highest award given to documentaries, The work tells the story of a powerful shaman. He, in turn, begins to question his faith after having contact with white people, who judge and demonize his religion.
Commanded by an intolerant shepherd, the evangelizing mission begins to question the customs and beliefs of the indigenous people. However, she is questioned when death begins to surround the village, and only the pajé’s sensitivity to the forest spirits can save the people.
Where to watch: Netflix, YouTube and Google Play Movies and TV.
5. Xingu (2011)
Telling the story of the creation of one of the classic environmental preservation parks, the film tells the story of the brothers Orlando (Felipe Camargo), Cláudio (João Miguel) and Leonardo Villas Bôas (Caio Blat). They decide to change life in the city to live in the forest.
While experiencing adventures and exploring Brazil, the brothers come into contact with indigenous villages and become a reference in their relationship with these peoples. Thus, they began to fight for the rights of the natives and created the famous Xingu Park, a reference in socioenvironmental diversity and culture of the Brazilian Amazon.
Where to watch: Netflix.
Source: Maxima
I am an experienced author and journalist with a passion for lifestyle journalism. I currently work for Buna Times, one of the leading news websites in the world. I specialize in writing stories about health, wellness, fashion, beauty, interior design, and more. My articles have been featured on major publications such as The Guardian and The Huffington Post.