Kukràdjà
A Journey Through Culture: New Documentary Showcases the Rich Festival Traditions of the Kayapó Indigenous Community.
Amazon Rainforest, December 2024 – A groundbreaking documentary capturing the vibrant festival culture of the Kayapó Indigenous Community has been completed, showing unique traditions and rituals that define this remarkable group. Filmed over 75 days in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest across three villages—Kendjam, A'Ukre, and Pykarãrãkre—the film invites viewers to witness the profound cultural legacy of the Kayapó people.
The documentary is titled “Kukràdjà” and focuses on two significant festivals: the festival for men and the festival for women. Each event is a celebration of identity, community, and tradition, offering a window into the rich tapestry of Kayapó life. By utilizing a Kayapó film crew, the project ensures authenticity and respect in capturing both the small, intimate moments and the grand spectacles that characterize these festivals.
The primary aim of this documentary is to empower younger generations of the Kayapó community with traditional knowledge. By documenting their elders as they perform rituals and share stories, the film serves as a vital resource for cultural preservation, enabling the youth to connect with their heritage and maintain their cultural identity in an ever-changing world.
“This project is not just about documenting a festival; it’s about strengthening our community’s ties to our past,” said NHAKMO KAYAPÓ, a member of the Kayapó film crew. “We want our children to see the beauty in our traditions and understand the importance of carrying them forward.”
The documentary is being shown at community screenings in the Kayapó villages while film festivals are pending. The filmmakers believe that sharing their culture with the world will foster greater understanding and respect for Indigenous peoples and their rights. The Kayapó community invites everyone to join them in celebrating this important piece of their heritage, encouraging both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences to reflect on the significance of cultural preservation.
For more information about the documentary and the Kayapó community, please contact the Pykore Indigenous Association at + 55 (94) 99221-6936 or CONTACT@PYKORE.ORG.BR.
About the Kayapó Indigenous Community:
The Kayapó are an Indigenous group residing in the Amazon Rainforest, known for their rich cultural heritage and commitment to environmental conservation. Their intricate festivals, vibrant art, and deep connection to the land highlight the importance of preserving Indigenous traditions in the face of modern challenges.
About the Pykore Indigenous Association:
The Pykôre Indigenous Association (AIP) is a non-profit organization of the Mẽbêngôkre-Kayapó people, conceived and created in June 2019 by the A'Úkre village in the Kayapó Indigenous Land. “Pykôre” in the Mẽbêngôkre language (Jê linguistic trunk) refers to a group of Annattos, a shrub native to our Forest and very important to our culture and identity. Annatto is present in our body paintings, our art, and food. From its seeds we extract and create red paint, mixed with babassu oil we make a paste, which guarantees our protection and thus, we have the strength to continue resisting and fighting for ANHÕ PYKA (our Land), ANHÕ KUKRADJÁ (our culture) and a MEJKUMREJ (good, beautiful) life.