Destruction of identity, culture and forests
Panama
May 2018
3:34
A powerful film by Ivan Jaripio, Embera indigenous filmmaker from Panama. In this short creative film he contrasts indigenous traditions with the contemporary world of Panama. Faced with the territorial and cultural threat of modernization, the resistance of the indigenous peoples to defend their traditions is urgent.
Dji Ta Wagadi, meaning ‘Guardians of the Seed’, are an Embera youth cultural collective from Piriati, Darien, Panama. Dji T...
Ivan is from the Embera community of Piriati. Since 2013 he has been studying film in order to promote indigenous rights so that their ...
Dance is integral to the indigenous Embera culture of Panama. So is the body painting. Migdalys Cunampio works to maintain the spirit of these traditions, so the young women do not lose their identity. She is instilling a pride in their customs to rescue their culture; “Always show you’re Embera.” Film by Olo Villalaz, Mara […]
Traditional puberty custom has been a rite of passage for young Emberá women but in recent years it is not being practised as often. Young women share their views on the custom and how it ties into their culture and identity. Film by Ginger Sanchez From the youth training workshop in Panama August 2018
“Body painting is born from spirituality” Film edited by Truman Granwell; filmed by Truman Granwell, Elio Barrigón and Jose Hernandez. Produced during the youth training workshop in Panama August 2018
Reclaiming and strengthening indigenous culture is vital to maintaining ancestral connections to nature. This must be passed onto future generations by celebrating indigenous traditions. Embera youth are spearheading a cultural revival, after decades of assimilation, through traditional body painting and storytelling. Meanwhile sustainable community forestry initiatives are creating low impact income for communities that rely […]