* Story and pictures by SC Shekar.

LAST night, I had the opportunity to attend a screening of the documentary “Amazonia Groove” at the GSC cinema in Mid Valley Megamall, thanks to an invitation from the Brazil embassy. The screening was part of the Brazilian Film Festival, which is running from September 21 to 24. Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah graced the festival launch. 

“Amazonia Groove” takes viewers on a captivating journey through the musical landscape of the Amazon basin, specifically exploring remote regions of the Amazon forest in northeastern Brazil. The documentary introduces us to a talented group of musicians, each with their own compelling stories tied to the land, water, and life in the region. They come together to create a rich tapestry of musical and cultural experiences that beautifully depict their connection to the Earth, their land, and their way of life. 

The core themes of “Amazonia Groove” are encapsulated in two powerful phrases: “We were born out of the rhythm of the water” and “How many songs fit in this river?” These phrases serve as the visual and narrative backbone of this thought-provoking documentary. 

As the documentary slowly unfolded, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between the Amazon basin and Sungai Baram in Sarawak, a place I’ve spent many years photographing and writing about. Interestingly, my inspiration for my book “Grit & Grace - The Grandeur of Monochrome Malaysia” was from the renowned Brazilian photographer and activist and friend Sebastião Salgado and his book “Genesis”. The similarities between the tropical landscapes and the deep connection of the people to their land resonated strongly with me. 

“Amazonia Groove” takes viewers on a journey departing from Belém, traversing much of the Paraense Amazon, and exploring the towns and riverside villages along the way. It sheds light on the artistic traditions, faith, mysticism, and the vibrant music scene of the northern region of Brazil, which remains relatively unknown even to Brazilians themselves. 

The documentary masterfully weaves together the extraordinary life experiences of its protagonists, their unique artistic expressions, and the invaluable oral tradition of Amazonian musicians. Throughout the film, we hear the musicians’ personal stories, their deep connection to the river, and their love for Brazil. It captures an intangible force emanating from the region – a force shaped by ancient cultures, a distinctive spirituality known as “enchantment”, and a rich mix of influences. This force manifests in a remarkable musical energy that is unlike anything most of us have encountered on screen. The culmination of these narratives is a group jam session on a boat towards the end of the documentary, where the various musical styles converge in a rhythmic blend of enchanting sound. 

Director Bruno Murtinho, while acknowledging that the film only scratches the surface of northeastern Brazil’s music and culture, skilfully presents a diverse range of musical genres within the limited runtime. It touches on classical, jazz, “brego”, “technobrego”, bolero, and more, often rooted in various forms and techniques of guitar. Notably, these musical styles carry both Brazilian and Caribbean influences, with threads connecting them to Africa, Spain, and the Caribbean. 

Visually, the documentary is framed as a river journey, where the audience is treated to breathtaking visuals of trees and water, along with captivating stories and music. The natural beauty of the Amazon basin provides an exquisite backdrop, and it’s evident that capturing anything less than stunning footage amid such splendour would be a challenge. 

“Amazonia Groove”, released in 2018, offers a delightful and enriching cinematic journey. While it may not conform to traditional film conventions and plays more like a collection of videos and interviews, it provides a unique and immersive experience for those willing to embrace its slower pace. It’s a testament to the power of film to transport us to distant worlds, celebrate diverse cultures, and evoke a deep appreciation for the beauty and richness of our planet’s heritage.

If you have the time and an appreciation for a slower-paced exploration of diverse cultures through music and storytelling, this documentary is a must-see. – September 20, 2023.