"Our house is being destroyed, our forests are being cut down, we are being poisoned and we need your help." These were the words of indigenous leader Watatakalu Yawalapiti, when we first met to brainstorm an idea to raise money to help them fight against the oppression coming from the current government.
The ‘Xingu Woman Movement’ is today one of the most relevant and organized feminist groups within the Brazilian native society. Based in Xingu Indigenous Park, this group aims to fight for all native women's emancipation and for more participation in local and national political decisions.
This project shows the important role these women have in protecting the forest they live in. Shot in April 2019 and released in the biggest indigenous protest in Brazil’s Federal District in the same month, ‘Giant By Thine Own Nature’ is a call to arms, inviting everyone to join forces with them, making their voices louder and their message heard.
The original score, directed by O Novíssimo Edgar, has songs by Pupílo, former Nação Zumbi, Juçara Marçal, and Mazé Cintra. Produced by Watatakalu Yawalapiti and Carolina Gavazzi. Directed and Photographed by Rogo Castro and João Unzer. And designed by Bruno Borges.
Selected Press & Recognition
Update or Die; Premiered at the Oscar Niemeyer designed Native People Memorial in Brasilia; Featured at the 2019 Brazilian Cinema Film Festival at the New York Botanical Garden, during the the exhibition Brazilian Modern: The Living Art of Roberto Burle Marx; Featured at the 2019 Anarchist Film Festival in New York. Exhibited at ‘Amazon Hopes’ Affirmation Arts New York.
Credits
When: 2019; Where: Matilda; VO: Watatakalu Yawalapiti; Photo Retouch: Cris Paulino; Extra Footage: Luiz Vasconcelos, Rodrigo Arajeju, & Edgar Kanaykõ Xakriabá; Song Studio: C4 Studio; Associated Production: Awake Film; Edit and Color: The End; Audio: Comando S; Special Thanks: Tere Kayabi, Amaiki Kaiabi, Amairé Kaiabi Suia, Aruti Kaiabi, Kunhakatu Kayabi, Iré Kayabi, Dawizu Juruna, Reariup Kayabi, Moreiuwi Kayabi, Katuareyup Kayabi, Tairé Kayabi, Xibidu Juruna, Kawita Juruna, Sandra Kayabi, Taireyua Kayabi, Fukui Kayabi, Rymoayup Kayabi, Anna Terra Yawalapitii, Kaku Kayabi, Itaikaré Kayabi, Yamanary Kaiabi, Tamakari Kayabi, Mani Matareiup Kayabi, & Maware Juruna.