A team of Xavante filmmakers has collaborated to realize this visual archive of the complex Wapté Mnhõnõ ceremony. Taking place over several months with much elaborate rehearsal and preparation, the ceremony involves the participation of several different groups of boys and men in the roles of initiates, godparents, and rivals.
A new age group is initiated every seven years and this initiate group competes against its rival in physical trials and undergoes ear piercing, while godparents drill and supervise their godsons. The ceremony marks the important transition away from childhood, and everyone in the village participates in a variety of roles. After being initiated, boys are adults and may be presented to their future wives. The filmmakers face the challenge of balancing their ceremonial duties with their desire to get the best shots possible. They want to document and preserve their Xavante culture.
One Must Be CuriousMoyngo, The Dream of MaragareumThe Rainy SeasonWai'á Rini, The Power of the DreamShomõtsiDancing with a DogKinja Iakaha, A Day in the VillageNguné Elü, The Day the Moon MenstruatedA Path to LiveTrainees for the FutureThe Living Forest
SCREENINGS & AWARDS
Jangada Trophy, OCIC Award (International Catholic Film organization), 1999
Manuel Diégues Junior Award, 6th International Ethnographic Film Festival, Rio de Janeiro, 1999
Best Documentary Award, Xth International Festival of Ethnographic Films, Nuoro, Italy, 2000
Anaconda Award, Bolivia, 200
Disclaimer on Naming:Please be aware that this documentary may include outdated or potentially offensive language. Such terms are not endorsed by DER but are presented in their original context to promote awareness, education, and discussion. Learn more about DER’s efforts to use reparative language and honor the preferred names of Indigenous communities by
clicking here.