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Swedish Filmmaker Revisits Korubo Tribe's First Contact in 'Amazomania'

Swedish filmmaker Nathan Grossman's new documentary, 'Amazomania,' investigates the 1996 filming of Brazil's isolated Korubo tribe during their first contact with the outside world. The film uses archival footage from Swedish journalist Erling Soderstrom to re-examine the ethics and long-term repercussions of that encounter. It traces the complex relationship between the journalist, the media, and the Korubo people over three decades. The Korubo community is directly involved as stakeholders and executive producers, sharing in the film's proceeds.

Key Points: 'Amazomania' Doc Examines Korubo Tribe's Contact Legacy

  • Re-examines 1996 first contact footage
  • Confronts colonial legacy and media impact
  • Korubo community are executive producers
  • Premiering at Copenhagen festival
2 min read

Nathan Grossman's 'Amazomania' to tell tale of Brazil's Korubo people, trailer out

Nathan Grossman's documentary re-examines the 1996 filming of Brazil's isolated Korubo people and its long-term consequences. Trailer out.

"What consequences did it have for the Korubo people to, on the first day of their contact, be filmed and photographed? - Nathan Grossman"

Brasilia, March 13

The Swedish filmmaker Nathan Grossman has returned to feature filmmaking with 'Amazomania', a documentary about Brazil's Korubo people. The documentary is set to debut at this year's Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival.

According to Variety, the film's official synopsis reads, "In 1996, a Brazilian official and the Swedish journalist, Erling Soderstrom, ventured into the Amazon to document the isolated Korubo people caught in escalating land conflicts. Initially hailed as unique images from a hidden world, the footage now warrants reexamination. Uncovering the costs of 'discovery', the film confronts the colonial legacy and exposes the long-term repercussions for the Korubo."

"What consequences did it have for the Korubo people to, on the first day of their contact, be filmed and photographed?" Grossman pondered in his director's statement, as quoted by Deadline.

"With Amazomania, I allow the viewer to share Erling's gaze upon the Korubo and the Korubo's gaze back at him thirty years later. The film is an uncommented journey through the times, with stops at 1996, 2003, and 2023. It is my examination of the complex relationship between the Swede, the media, and the Korubo, from the well-documented October day in 1996 when the Korubo exited their isolation, until today," added Grossman as quoted by Deadline.

The Autlook Film Sales shared the trailer of the documentary on their YouTube channel.

According to Deadline, the development of the project began in 2020 when Nathan Grossman heard about the existence of Erling Soderstrom's archive. An agreement was formed with Soderstrom to license the material for a new film, with Grossman gaining full creative control.

The Korubo community is a stakeholder and serves as executive producers on Amazomania. The producer's proceeds will be shared 50/50 with the group.

The documentary will be screened at CPH: DOX on March 16.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Interesting parallel to our own tribal communities in India. The Jarawa, the Sentinelese... the ethics of "discovery" and documentation are so complex. A film that re-examines old footage with a critical lens is needed. Will look for this online after its festival run.
R
Rohit P
The key question the director asks is powerful: "What consequences did it have... to be filmed on the first day of contact?" We never think about that. The camera isn't neutral. It's an intrusion. Hope this film makes people think twice before calling such footage "unique" or "groundbreaking."
S
Sarah B
While the intent seems good, I'm a bit skeptical. A Swedish filmmaker telling a Brazilian indigenous story, even with their involvement. The power dynamics in storytelling itself are tricky. The proof will be in the final film – does it truly center the Korubo's voice and gaze, or is it still about the Swedish journalist's journey?
V
Vikram M
Land conflicts in the Amazon... reminds me of the struggles of our Adivasis here. The world needs to see these stories. The fact that it's showing at a major doc festival is good for awareness. 🙏 Hope it leads to real change and protection for the Korubo.
K
Karthik V
"Confronting the colonial legacy" – a phrase we should all pay attention to. It's not just history; it's present-day exploitation wrapped in modern packaging. Good on Grossman for trying to examine this. Will definitely try to watch the trailer.

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