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Brazil, once the world's largest slave colony, was a brutal
and deadly place for millions of Africans. But many thousands
escaped or rebelled, creating their own communities in Brazil's
untamed hinterland. Largely unknown to the outside world,
today these communities struggle to preserve a rich heritage
born of resistance to oppression.
"Quilombo Country" ("Quilombo" is an Angolan word meaning
"encampment") ranges from the Northeastern sugar-growing
regions to the heart of the Amazon rainforest, discussing 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, and witness rare footage of
syncretic Umbanda and Pajelanca ceremonies; Tambor de Crioula,
Carimbo and Boi Bumba drum and dance celebrations; and Festivals
of the Mast. No other film currently in release addresses these
communities and illustrates all of these important Afrobrazilian
contributions to Brazilian and world culture.
"Quilombo Country" is narrated by Chuck D, the legendary
poet, scholar, media commentator and front man of the iconic
hip hop band Public Enemy.
"Quilombo Country"
73 minutes * Digital Video * Portuguese with English subtitles
and narration
[all-Portuguese version also available]
www.quilombofilm.com
* [email protected]
Official
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