This is a beautifully produced, very compelling story of the missionization of a group of people in the Bolivian rainforest. Unfortunately, although the producer seemed to try to represent the Yukui people, only a single, converted, Yukui person is interviewed. He and his community are described using the relatively racist (paternalistic) terms that the missionaries themselves use. The Yukui are described as primitive, and are portrayed as benefitting from the destruction of the rainforest and the (relatively violent) imposition of Christianity. The story portrays only one side of the encounter, erasing the Yukui people's agency and intelligence, painting them as primitive heathens who were lucky to be yanked out of the forest and introduced to Jesus Christ.
Wonderfully produced documentary that reminds you why it's so essential to get the right sound for your piece.
The subject was disturbing to me, but that's a personal issue and not to take away from the story at hand.
This piece speaks to you -- as though you are the only person experiencing this story. The producers were very effective by presenting two sides, two different points of viewl, by the evangelical missionaries and by Ataiba, the chief of the nomadic tribe he's just left.
Comments for Saving Jungle Souls
This piece belongs to the series "Vanishing Homelands"
Produced by Sandy Tolan and Nancy Postero
Other pieces by Homelands Productions
Rating Summary
2 comments
Anna Magarian
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 06:43 PM | Permalink
Beautifully produced, unfortunately one-sided
This is a beautifully produced, very compelling story of the missionization of a group of people in the Bolivian rainforest. Unfortunately, although the producer seemed to try to represent the Yukui people, only a single, converted, Yukui person is interviewed. He and his community are described using the relatively racist (paternalistic) terms that the missionaries themselves use. The Yukui are described as primitive, and are portrayed as benefitting from the destruction of the rainforest and the (relatively violent) imposition of Christianity. The story portrays only one side of the encounter, erasing the Yukui people's agency and intelligence, painting them as primitive heathens who were lucky to be yanked out of the forest and introduced to Jesus Christ.
Traci Tong
Posted on May 16, 2007 at 06:43 PM | Permalink
Review of Saving Jungle Souls
Wonderfully produced documentary that reminds you why it's so essential to get the right sound for your piece.
The subject was disturbing to me, but that's a personal issue and not to take away from the story at hand.
This piece speaks to you -- as though you are the only person experiencing this story. The producers were very effective by presenting two sides, two different points of viewl, by the evangelical missionaries and by Ataiba, the chief of the nomadic tribe he's just left.
Powerful.