GRAMNet Film Series

Piripkura

Documentary: Brazil (2017) | Directors: Renata Terra, Bruno Jorge, Mariana Oliva | Running Time: 81 mins | Portuguese with English Subtitles

In observance of World Day of Social Justice

In this chronicle of an expedition, the Amazonian habitat of the only two nomadic Piripkura, can only be protected if there is proof they are still living there.

Two of the last three members of the Piripkura still live as nomads in the Amazon rainforest, in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso. Their most important possession is a torch that was lit in 1998 and has remained so ever since. The area where they live is encircled by farms and sawmills, whose almost inevitable expansion is taking place through violent means. This area of rainforest can only keep its protected status if there’s proof that the two men, Pakyî and Tamandua, are still living there. Coordinator Jair Candor treks into the jungle in search of them, sometimes accompa-nied by their sole surviving family member, their cousin Rita. Through this film, the crew provides proof of the two men’s existence. Piripkura sheds light on the tragedy befalling indigenous Amazon people—the systematic violence used against them is a constant menacing presence.