Guarani-language film cycle opens in Paraguay with Enrique Collar's "Novena"

The "Agosto Poty" audiovisual cycle, dedicated to filmmaker Enrique Collar, begins this Saturday, July 25th, at Espacio Aula Jeré in Paraguay. The event will showcase Collar's work, focusing on films made in the Guarani language and jopara, a mix of Guarani and Spanish.

The opening night features Collar's 2010 feature film, "Novena." This 95-minute production, a co-production between Paraguay and the Netherlands, follows a rural poet and artisan navigating the grief of his mother's death during the traditional nine-day novenario mourning period. The film uses this community ritual to portray a way of life rooted in Guarani cosmovision values like solidarity, alongside elements of popular Christianity.

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We did a discussion and a space for reflection on the next step we must take: to move from organizing only concerts to developing international festivals that bring together artists from different countries and give greater visibility to Paraguayan guitar.

"Novena" was filmed in Collar's hometown of Itauguá Guazú, with its own residents as actors, offering an intimate and observational portrait of Paraguayan rural life. The film prompts reflection on identity, memory, and cultural traditions.

The "Agosto Poty" cycle, named after a characteristic yellow flower in Paraguay during this season, aims to foster cultural growth. Following each screening, discussions will delve into the linguistic and cinematic aspects of the films, featuring linguist Mercedes Gutiérrez, communicator Cisar Coronel, and film critic Fernando Moure. Traditional Paraguayan gastronomy will also be part of the event.

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Agustín Barrios is a recognized figure worldwide. Our challenge is to build a bridge between that international prestige and the cultural wealth we have here. There are many guitarists, artists, and music lovers who want to know the city of Mangoré, explore its history, and experience being in San Juan Bautista.