Film Update: Uýra: The Rising Forest

POV’s Digital Curator Anthony Yooshin Kim caught up with Uýra: The Rising Forest filmmaker Juliana Curi to provide a window into the making of her film and reflect on the journey since the cameras stopped rolling.

Nestled deep within the Amazon’s lush embrace, a story of unwavering determination and defiance awaits its moment in the spotlight. Uýra: The Rising Forest weaves the extraordinary narrative of Uýra, a spirit unyielding in the face of Brazil’s oppressive political regime. Juliana Curi, the visionary director, writer, and producer behind this remarkable film, unveils the riveting journey, formidable obstacles, and the wellspring of inspiration that brought this innovative documentary to life.

Curi, a Latina-Brazilian with a body of work dedicated to crafting films and imagery at the confluence of art and activism, reveals the serendipitous origins of the film. “In 2019, I felt an urge to craft a long-form story that would champion social justice.” It wasn’t long before she stumbled upon Uýra Sodoma’s impactful work on Instagram. Within weeks, a proposal was made and accepted, and the team headed to the Amazon with a sense of urgency.

“Shortly after filming commenced, the world grappled with the onset of COVID-19. We entered a pandemic and post-production simultaneously,” Curi recalls. Despite the challenges, with dedicated private funding and support from Bric Media Arts and other entities, the film emerged three years later, ready to make its mark.

The documentary’s unique hybrid nature is one of its standout features. Curi was inspired by the Amazonian poet João de Jesus Paes Loureiro, who spoke of the Amazon’s enchantment emanating from the depths of the Rio Negro. “Uýra introduces us to a universe that is often beyond rational explanation,” Curi explains. To truly represent this, the film had to tread the fine line between fiction and documentary, ensuring the audience felt both the political urgency and the ethereal beauty of the Amazon and its tales.

For Curi, filmmaking isn’t merely about capturing images; it’s a series of political and aesthetic choices. Her background in journalism and visual art has etched a unique style into her filmmaking, which she describes as standing “at the crossroads of these currents.” Influences such as Latina filmmaker Lucrecia Martel, indigenous Brazilian philosopher Ailton Krenak, and writer bell hooks have played pivotal roles in shaping Curi’s perspective. “They’ve taught me that filmmaking isn’t just a visual medium. It’s a tool to challenge, celebrate, and change the dominant narratives.”

Since the film’s conclusion, Uýra has blossomed into a prominent contemporary artist, earning accolades and recognition globally. “Uýra’s recognition at events like the São Paulo Biennial and the esteemed Pipa Prize affirms her groundbreaking stature in the art realm,” Curi states with pride.

Recalling an emotive encounter at a film festival, Curi shares a young filmmaker’s words: “This is the first time I’ve seen a Brazilian film portraying social vulnerabilities where characters are offering invaluable wisdom.” Such interactions underscore the documentary’s success in portraying its narrative and ethical choices.

Curi hopes the film imparts a deeper understanding of Brazil’s indigenous heritage and its crucial role in confronting the climate crisis. “Uýra exemplifies the power of intersectionality, offering a potential path of reconnection with the forest and highlighting the importance of collective dialogue and struggle.”

As for what’s next on Curi’s horizon, she and her team are delving into the ARTIVISM series. “It’s a tribute to visionary artists on the fringes of society, using their craft to combat climate racism. They’re creating a fresh perspective on the future, wielding art as a bridge to a more inclusive and sustainable world,” she reveals with palpable excitement.

Uýra: The Rising Forest is a testament to the transformative power of film. By interweaving the ethereal with the tangible, the documentary brings to light the struggles, resilience, and beauty of the Amazon and its people. With creators like Juliana Curi at the helm, the future of filmmaking promises stories that not only entertain but enlighten and inspire.