Movies with a Mission presents ‘Quilombo Country’
Narrated by Chuck D, “Quilombo Country” provides a portrait of rural communities in Brazil that was either founded by runaway slaves or began from abandoned plantations. This type of community is known as a quilombo, from an Angolan word that means “encampment.” As many as 2,000 quilombos exist today. Contrary to popular myth, Brazil was a brutal and deadly place for slaves. But they did not submit willingly. Thousands escaped, while others led political and militant movements that forced white farmers to flee. Many of the resulting communities founded by free blacks, known as quilombolas, survive today. “Quilombo Country” provides a glimpse into these communities, with extensive footage of ceremonies, dances and lifestyles, interwoven with discussions about their history and important issues. The film takes place in three distinct settings: The Trombetas region of the Amazon, Marajo Island at the mouth of the Amazon River, and the Itapicuru-Mirim area in the state of Maranhao.
In 2004 Sankofa Spirit created its film series, “Movies with a Mission” to counter the myths and negative images of people of African descent so often promoted by Hollywood. “Movies with a Mission” are free monthly films from and about Africa and the African Diaspora that seek to inform and inspire dialogue.