Film 'Turba' Transforms Slavery into Visual Poetry on Screen

“I chose not to die,” declares one of the six Black women central to 'Turba,' a film by brothers Luis and Andrés Rodríguez. The movie, inspired by Montilla's theatrical production, immerses viewers in a visceral and poetic journey, focusing on the struggle for identity and freedom.

The film's narrative, or rather its sensory experience, begins with images of women facing the sea, their feet in the waves. Their bodies, like their pasts, are marked by the trauma of enslavement. "The only thing that belonged to me was my name... they took that from me too," one woman recounts, highlighting the profound dehumanization inherent in slavery.

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I chose not to die.

'Turba' eschews conventional storytelling, opting instead for a powerful visual and auditory experience. The filmmakers aimed to evoke instinct over intellect, using symbolism and atmosphere to convey the women's plight. Gestures and sounds often speak louder than words, drawing the audience into a world where identity was stripped away.

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The only thing that belonged to me was my name... they took that from me too.

The film's genesis traces back to 2020 when Jericó Montilla discovered Fabienne Kanor's novel 'Humus' in Caracas. Recognizing its themes of slavery and finding a connection with Afro-Venezuelan actresses, Montilla adapted the story for the stage. The play, 'Turba,' premiered in 2022, earning critical acclaim, including awards for Best Direction and Best Supporting Actress for María Alejandra Tellis.

Witnessing the play's impact, the Rodríguez brothers saw the potential for a cinematic adaptation. They were captivated by the story's exploration of survival and the fight for Black women's identity. "We were interested in that concept of art imitating life or life imitating art," Luis Rodríguez explained, noting the blurring lines when an actor embodies a role that begins to influence their own reality.

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We were interested in that concept of art imitating life or life imitating art. That dividing line that becomes extremely thin when an actor is playing a role, and when that role begins to possess them little by little and mixes with everyday life.