Three films by Paula Gaitán
On the occasion of our publication of this interview between Patrícia Mourão de Andrade and Maria Chiaretti and Paula Gaitán, Gaitán generously allowed us to share three of her films. As Mourão de Andrade and Chiaretti put it, these works are 'disquieting, radical and free, rooted either in a candid sense of intimacy and curiosity, or emanating a spirit of ambition and confidence that leads us towards the monumental.'
These films will be available for two weeks, until the 25th of March.
With many thanks to Paula Gaitán for her generosity.
Uaká (Sky), 1988, 16mm, 87 mins
with English subtitles
In the heart of Brazil lies the Xingu Indigenous Park, created in 1961 in the state of Mato Grosso. It was the first Indigenous land to be officially recognized in Brazil and is one of the largest centers of cultural and environmental preservation in the world. The area is home to 16 ethnic groups and is crossed by the Xingu River, which is fundamental to the region.
The Xingu creation myth is the subject of this first feature by Paula Gaitán. Neither documentary nor fiction—and still less an ethnographic film—it is best described as an “image poem” about the quarup ritual. Uaká portrays a culture thousands of years old that still lives according to its own legends: the hero Mavutsinim was the first to learn how to revive the dead by chanting songs before wooden trunks (quarups) decorated and painted with images of the deceased. Resurrection could only take place if this magical practice remained secret. But men betrayed their promise and tried to uncover Mavutsinim’s secret. From that day forth, the dead have been unable to return to life.
Today, those whose dead are honored must remain in mourning for an entire year, refraining from participating in any tribal activities. They are then led to the center of the village for a symbolic purifying bath, where their bodies are painted to mark the end of mourning. The following day, the quarup trunks are cast into the river, which carries the dead into a new existence in another world.
Directed and written by Paula Gaitán • Câmera: Johnny Howard • Editing: Paula Gaitán and Aida Marques • Sound Design: Carlos Alberto Camuirano and Paula Gaitán • Cast: Takumán, Ianaculá, Sapaim
lygiapape (1991)
No dialogue
A film about the work of plastic artist Lygia Pape. Departing from Lygia Pape’s installations, a recreation of her visual and sonor universe.
Meeting Lygia Pape, for example, was significant. There was a Rio Arte documentary series on artists. I don’t know how I ended up suggesting a movie about Lygia. She was very generous. I was a teacher, still finding my place, and she opened up a relevant space for me. For the film, we recreated all of her installations; several of them no longer existed. She pushed me forward. — Paula Gaitàn in conversation with Patrícia Mourão de Andrade and Maria Chiaretti
Cast: Lygia Pape • Special appearance: Guará Rodrigues • Screenplay, direction and editing: Paula Gaitán • Cinematography: Dib Lufti • Sound design: Paula Gaitán, Lygia Pape, Carlos Alberto Camuyrano • Sound mixing: Roberto Carvalho
Noite (2014)
No dialogue.
'Because the night belongs to lovers. Because the night belongs to lust. Because the night belongs to lovers. Because the night belongs to us.' (Patti Smith)
Direction, cinematography, camera and editing: Paula Gaitán • Cast: Clara Choveaux, Nash Laila, Cassius Augusto, Ava Rocha, Negro Leo, Andre Novais, Maíra Senise, Daniel Passi, Mell Brigida, Carolina Caju, Joana dos Santos, Bella, Daniel Fernandes • Production: Bernardo de Oliveira,Paula Gaitán • Sound editing: Paula Gaitán • Musical score: Dedo, Baile Primitivo, Thomas Rohrer, Cadu Tenorio, Negro Leo, Cassius Augusto, Savio Queiroz, Ava Rocha, Carlos Issa, Arto Lindsay, Gilmar Monte, Arrigo Barnabé