Bila Burba
Colonialism wiped out many Central and South American cultures, but not the Gunadule, the indigenous people of northern Panama. In 1925 they successfully resisted the repression of their culture by the Panamanian government. In three days of fighting, they won their autonomy and thus saved their way of life. Known as the “Dule Revolution,” the glorious battle is commemorated annually with a reenactment involving hundreds of participants, including many children. Bila Burba, made by Duiren Wagua, a member of the Gunadule, shows the reenactment of the successful revolution, and looks back with descendants of the revolutionaries on the reasons for the uprising and the course of the events. The film convincingly shows the power of this community theater in maintaining a unique autonomy is once again under threat due to the Panamanian government’s sale of parts of their territory.
-- Dir. Duiren Wagua - 70min - 2023 - Panama --
"Beyond the written word and photographic evidence, how does one keep history alive? For the Guna people of northern Panama, community theatre emerges as a potent form of cultural documentation and preservation. This vibrant documentary directed by Duiren Wagua, who hails from the same Indigenous community, traces a vital tradition that breathes life into monumental events from the past" - Guardian
"convincingly shows the power of this community theater in maintaining a unique collective identity with a strong emphasis on cooperation" - Morellia Film Fest
"convincingly shows the power of this community theater in maintaining a unique collective identity, which emphasizes cooperation. Keeping the past alive is crucial, because the Gunadule’s autonomy is once again under threat due to the Panamanian government’s sale of parts of their territory." - IDFA
"serves as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of resistance and resilience, using cinema to preserve history as well as shape the present and future of the Guna people in their ongoing fight for autonomy and justice." - European Journal of Latin American and Caribbean Studies
"presents a stark and patient record of a people fighting against oblivion" - Gazettely
"beautiful...extremely important" - SalaOcho
-
Bila Burba
-- Dir. Duiren Wagua - 70min - 2023 - Panama --
Colonialism wiped out many Central and South American cultures, but not the Gunadule, the indigenous people of northern Panama. In 1925 they successfully resisted the repression of their culture by the Panamanian government. In three days of fighti...
Extras
-
Bila Burba - Trailer
Colonialism wiped out many Central and South American cultures, but not the Gunadule, the indigenous people of northern Panama. In 1925 they successfully resisted the repression of their culture by the Panamanian government. In three days of fighting, they won their autonomy and thus saved their ...
