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(María Lionza, Breath of Orchids) Spanish / English subtitles Venezuela / 2007 / 82 min |
Pacific Cinémathèque |
Cinematographer: Ruben Belfort
Screenwriter: John Petrizzelli
Producer: John Petrizzelli
Editor: Miguel Ángel García
Music: Roberto Tarzieris
Sound: Frank Rojas, Danny Rojas
According to legend, “the native princess María Lionza was kidnapped by an anaconda”. The story lives on to this day, and she is still widely worshipped in Venezuela. Nowadays, her followers are not only found in jungles and villages, but also in modern cities. They still practice rituals rooted in traditional Venezuelan society, hoping to find spiritual guidance in the process. In cinéma vérité style, the film follows several individuals as they journey to the mountain, where they will worship several icons of Maria Lionza.
La historia de una princesa indígena raptada por una anaconda es el punto de partida de este documental que explora el mito y el culto de María Lionza, siempre en transformación desde los tiempos coloniales. La película plantea las múltiples facetas del mito y del culto, sin obviar ninguna de éstas, a pesar de que puedan surgir diferencias y hasta contradicciones en las creencias y prácticas de los creyentes documentados. La ausencia de un dogma y de un credo universal al culto, constituyen la esencia de este universo mágico–religioso.
Awards: Best Photography and Best Sound Merida National Film Festival