The Falling Sky

This breathtaking documentary centres on iconic shaman Davi Kopenawa and the Yanomami community of Watoriki in the Brazilian rainforest as they prepare for a time-worn funeral rite said to hold up the sky—a ceremony that also galvanises them in their battle to defend their homeland from illegal gold mining. The Yanomami lived in relative isolation until the 1970s, when a highway built under Brazil’s dictatorship exposed them to the ravages of those they call the “merchandise people.” With great sensitivity, the directors allow the Yanomami to tell their story in their own words, highlighting the resilience of this ancient community and showcasing the natural wonder of the world they are fighting to protect. The soundtrack, a blend of ingenious rhythms, shouts, and songs, complemented by atmospheric compositions, creates an immersive auditory experience. Giving space to observe and be present without didactical shortcuts, The Falling Sky is not just pressingly topical but brimming with intelligence, power, humanity, and hypnotic beauty.