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Aluna

Aluna poster

Aluna

"A journey to save the world"

NR201291 minutes.IMDb7.5/10

Where to Watch Aluna

Aluna is a provocative and insightful documentary produced in 2012, bringing forth issues related to the environment, spiritual beliefs, and indigenous cultures. Directed by renowned British documentary filmmaker, Alan Ereira, the movie spotlights the Kogi people, an indigenous tribe rooted in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Columbia. The film presents the viewpoints of significant figures like Mama Manuel Coronado, a spiritual leader of the Kogi tribe, and Kogi woman Francisca Zarabata, who provides a candid perspective as a member of the indigenous community.

The second venture into Kogi territory after the BBC's "The Heart of The World: Elder Brothers' Warning" in 1990, Ereira embarks on another journey upon receiving a call from the tribe. The Kogi, being direct descendants of the ancient Tairona civilization, have lived in seclusion for centuries preserving not only their traditional ways but a profound wisdom about the Earth and its ecological balance. Ereira's Aluna is an urgent plea from these indigenous habitants to the younger brothers- the term the Kogi use to refer to the modern world's citizens- warning them of the environmental catastrophes brimming at the horizon.

Throughout the film, audiences are invited on an introspective journey into the worldviews, beliefs, and values of the Kogi people which are closely interlinked with their land's natural ecosystem. One particular interest is the concept of 'Aluna' - a thought process that the Kogi believe to be a living, conscious entity, connecting everything in the universe. This connection, they claim, is gradually being severed due to industrialization and destruction of the natural world.

The entire documentary is laden with symbolic and philosophical messages. Central to these ethos are Mama Manuel Coronado's pivotal role and his heartfelt narrations. He guides Ereira and the audience through the delicate realms molded by Kogi philosophy, shedding light on the potential effects of heedless human actions on Earth. Coronado believes that it is the responsibilities of the Mamas, the spiritual leaders, to keep the balance between the Earth and the universe. He implies that the contemporary world disrupts this harmony, which could potentially lead to grave consequences.

Concurrently, Francisca Zarabata's poignant insights, as a woman living amid the tradition and continuity within the Kogi community, adds crucial layers to the narrative. Her presence and contribution to Aluna's storytelling provide valuable representation of the often-overlooked female voice from indigenous communities, lending a delicate and personal touch to the movie.

Visually, Aluna is stunning. Ereira captures the raw, untamed beauty of the Kogi lands - the towering mountains, the dense forests, the surging rivers, and the tranquil beaches of the Sierra Nevada. These picturesque scenes are thought-provoking contrasts against the scenes from the modern world showcasing vehicles, tall buildings, and sprawling industries. The deliberate juxtaposition is a glaring mirror held up to reflect mankind's relentless encroachment into nature's realms.

Moreover, the film's alluring cinematography is aptly paired with captivating sound design. The primordial hums and chants of the Kogi people made even more poignant through the silences, heightening the movie's contemplative mood. Aluna does not simply want to entertain the audience but seeks genuinely to spark dialogue and change. It prompts the viewers to reconsider the relationship they share with nature, and how their lifestyle choices might be perturbing the global ecosystem.

Noted for its respect for its subject matter and an evident desire to pass on invaluable knowledge, Aluna is not just a film; it is a bridge between contrasting worlds. Beyond its beautiful images and vivid storytelling, it is an invitation to listen, to understand, and to act. By presenting this contrast between the Kogi's deep reverence for the natural world and the often destructive tendencies of modern society, the movie underscores the importance of environmental preservation and spiritual coexistence.

The stark warning from an ancient civilization to the modern world remains relevant even after nearly a decade of its making. Aluna, at its core, is an urgent plea for a collective moment of reflection and reconsideration, making it a critical view for anyone interested in environmental issues, indigenous cultures, and the crucial intersection of the two. Concluding without spoilers, this film carries an important message that continues to resonate in our current global climate crisis.

NR201291 minutes.
IMDb7.5/10
Director
Alan Ereira
Stars
Alan Ereira, Mama Manuel Coronado, Mama Shibulata Zarabata, Francisca Zarabata
Genres
Documentary