Katharine’s Network: Indigenous Women Redefining Brazilian Cinema | América Futura

Indigenous Women in Brazil Forge Powerful New Voice Through Filmmaking

September 24, 2025

A groundbreaking collective of Indigenous women in Brazil is rapidly transforming the landscape of documentary and fictional filmmaking, offering narratives often absent from mainstream media.The ‘Rede criers’ – or ‘Network of Criers‘ – has expanded from an initial group of 47 to 89 filmmakers as its official launch in September 2022, fostering a vibrant community of both emerging and established talents.

The Rise of the Rede criers

The network includes prominent figures such as Txai Suruí,the producer of the acclaimed National Geographic documentary The Territory,alongside Olinda Tupinambá and Glicéria Tupinambá,who represented Brazil at the 60th Venice Biennial in 2024. Other notable members include OA Suei Maxacali, whose recent documentary Yõg ãtak: my father, kaiowá has garnered meaningful attention.The Rede criers prioritizes inclusivity, welcoming women at all stages of their filmmaking journeys, regardless of professional experience.

“It is not a catalog, it is a living movement of Indigenous women,” explains mari Corrêa, a founder of the network. “We did not seek to create a network of professionals. There are those with experience, but also those who create for the preservation of their people’s memories.”

Empowerment Through artistic Expression

Bárbara Karrii, a theater graduate and Doctor of Fine Arts, discovered the network’s empowering nature after attending a meeting in Goiás in 2023.”The Rede criers gives me self-esteem to strengthen the community,” she states. “Most Indigenous people lack the resources to pursue music, theater, or cinema. With my artistic language, I do justice.”

The network’s origins lie within the work of the CATITA Institute, which has been conducting filmmaking workshops in indigenous villages as 2009. During the pandemic, founder Mari Corrêa recognized a lack of visibility for Indigenous filmmakers and envisioned a platform to showcase their work.

A Constellation of Voices

the name “Katahirine,” meaning “constellation” in the Manchineri language, was chosen during a foundational meeting in Rio Branco in September 2022, reflecting the collective’s desire to provide a space where each filmmaker can shine. A democratically elected board of directors, largely composed of Indigenous women, oversees the network’s operations, while a group of coordinators fosters connections between different territories.

There’s been a growing interest in Indigenous cinema, particularly works created by women. According to a 2023 report by the Brazilian Film Agency (Ancine),funding for Indigenous-led film projects increased by 40% compared to the previous year.

Documenting Lived Experiences

Suyani Terena, a 20-year-old filmmaker, recently presented her documentary Queen of Ants at the Douarnenez festival in France. She credits the Katahirine Rede with providing crucial support. “When I joined, I didn’t realise I could be a filmmaker without formal credentials,” Terena shared. “The network has built a strong community, encouraging more women to enter the field and gain recognition both domestically and internationally.”

The network’s Katahirine Award supports twelve film projects led by women, fostering a new wave of Indigenous storytelling.It also has a cineclub and ambitions to establish an Indigenous-owned film production company.

From Personal Stories to Collective Resistance

The Katahirine Catalog includes historically significant works such as The Ikpeng Children for the World (2001), the frist Indigenous-directed audiovisual production, and The story of Cotia and the Monkey (2011). Though, the network’s filmmakers frequently enough focus on themes overlooked by their male counterparts, exploring intimate personal issues and highlighting the often-invisible roles of women within their communities.

Brazilian filmmakers from ‘Rede Katahirine.’ Manoela cardoso (Katahirine Network)

Films like Queen of Ants, which depicts a Nambikwara coming-of-age ritual, and Thuë pihi Kuuwi – A Woman Thinking, which portrays a family navigating autism, are examples of this focus. These narratives connect the personal to broader issues of cultural preservation and collective struggle.

In a recent example of the network’s impact, eleven Shawãdawa women undertook an expedition to demarcate and protect their ancestral lands, documenting the journey and challenging traditional gender roles in their village. Their work is a testament to the transformative power of Indigenous women’s filmmaking.

Network	Founded	Current Members	Focus
Rede criers (Katahirine Network)	September 2022	89+	Empowering Indigenous women filmmakers in Brazil

The Future of Indigenous Filmmaking

The growth of the Rede criers reflects a wider global trend of Indigenous media sovereignty – a movement advocating for Indigenous control over their own narratives and cultural representation. This is crucial for preserving cultural heritage, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for Indigenous rights. As technology becomes more accessible and platforms for distribution diversify, we can expect to see even more compelling stories emerging from indigenous communities around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Rede criers? The Rede criers is a network of Indigenous women filmmakers in Brazil, founded in 2022, dedicated to supporting and promoting their work.
• What kind of films does the Rede criers produce? The network encompasses a diverse range of films, including documentaries, fiction, and experimental works, frequently enough focusing on themes relevant to Indigenous women’s lives and experiences.
• How does the Katahirine Award support filmmakers? The Katahirine Award provides mentorship and resources for twelve film projects led by Indigenous women, helping them bring their stories to life.
• Why is Indigenous filmmaking important? Indigenous filmmaking is crucial for preserving cultural heritage, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for Indigenous rights and self-determination.
• How can I learn more about the Rede criers? You can visit their online platform at https://katahirine.org.br/ to discover more about their members and projects.

What impact do you think greater representation in film will have on broader perceptions of Indigenous cultures? share your thoughts in the comments below!

Do you believe supporting Indigenous-led media initiatives is essential for fostering cultural understanding and social justice?

How does katharine’s Network address the systemic barriers-specifically funding and training-faced by Indigenous women in the Brazilian film industry?

The Rise of Indigenous Filmmakers in Brazil

For decades, Brazilian cinema largely presented narratives about Indigenous communities, crafted primarily through a non-indigenous lens. Now, a powerful shift is underway. Katharine Ferreira, a Guarani and Kaiowá filmmaker, is at the forefront of a burgeoning network empowering Indigenous women to tell their own stories, fundamentally reshaping the landscape of Brazilian film. This movement, often referred to as “Indigenous Cinema,” isn’t simply about portrayal; it’s about reclaiming agency, challenging colonial narratives, and fostering cultural preservation.

This new wave of filmmaking is gaining international recognition, showcased at festivals like Cannes, Berlinale, and the Venice Film Festival, bringing crucial visibility to Indigenous perspectives.Key terms driving searches around this topic include: Indigenous film Brazil, Brazilian indigenous cinema, Indigenous women filmmakers, Katharine ferreira films, and américa Futura documentaries.

Katharine Ferreira: A Catalyst for Change

Katharine Ferreira isn’t just a filmmaker; she’s a network builder.Recognizing the systemic barriers facing Indigenous women in the film industry – from lack of funding and training to cultural biases – she founded Katharine’s Network. This initiative provides:

* Mentorship: Pairing experienced Indigenous filmmakers with emerging talents.

* Workshops: Offering practical training in all aspects of filmmaking, from scriptwriting and cinematography to editing and distribution.

* Funding Support: Connecting filmmakers with grant opportunities and alternative funding sources.

* Distribution Assistance: Helping navigate the complexities of film distribution and festival submissions.

Ferreira’s own work, often focusing on the struggles and resilience of her Guarani community, serves as a powerful example.Her films aren’t simply documentaries; they are acts of resistance and cultural affirmation. Her approach emphasizes collaborative storytelling,ensuring that the voices and perspectives of the community are central to the filmmaking process.

América Futura’s Role in Amplifying Indigenous Voices

América Futura, a documentary series produced by Futura produções, has been instrumental in providing a platform for Indigenous filmmakers like Katharine Ferreira. The series’ commitment to showcasing diverse Latin American perspectives has allowed these stories to reach a wider audience.

Specifically,América Futura‘s support has included:

1. Production Funding: Providing financial resources for indigenous-led film projects.
2. Technical Expertise: Offering access to experienced film crews and equipment.
3. International Distribution: Leveraging its network to secure screenings at prestigious film festivals and broadcast opportunities.
4. Capacity Building: Investing in training programs to enhance the skills of Indigenous filmmakers.

This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration between established media organizations and Indigenous communities. Related searches include: América Futura Indigenous films, Futura Produções documentaries, and Latin American documentary film.

Key Themes and Styles in Indigenous Brazilian Cinema

The films emerging from Katharine’s network and supported by initiatives like América Futura share several common themes and stylistic approaches:

* Land Rights & Environmental Protection: Many films address the ongoing struggles for land rights and the devastating impact of deforestation and mining on Indigenous territories.

* Cultural Preservation: Filmmakers are actively working to document and preserve conventional languages, ceremonies, and knowledge systems.

* Resistance & Resilience: Stories often highlight the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities in the face of historical and ongoing oppression.

* Decolonial Storytelling: A conscious effort to dismantle colonial narratives and present Indigenous perspectives on their own terms.

* Hybridity: Blending traditional storytelling techniques with contemporary filmmaking styles.

Challenges and Opportunities for the Future

Despite the growing momentum, Indigenous filmmakers in Brazil still face critically important challenges:

* Funding Disparities: Securing funding remains a major hurdle, as traditional funding sources frequently enough prioritize mainstream projects.

* Distribution Barriers: Reaching wider audiences can be tough,notably for films that challenge dominant narratives.

* Cultural Appropriation: Protecting Indigenous intellectual property and ensuring that stories are told with respect and authenticity is crucial.

* Political Instability: Changes in government policies can impact funding and support for Indigenous initiatives.

However, there are also exciting opportunities on the horizon:

* Growing international Recognition: Increased visibility at film festivals and awards ceremonies is attracting attention and support.

* Rise of Streaming platforms: Streaming services offer new avenues for distribution and audience engagement.

* Increased Awareness: Growing public awareness of Indigenous issues is creating a more receptive audience for these films.

* Expansion of Katharine’s Network: scaling up the network to reach more Indigenous women and communities across Brazil.

Resources for Further Exploration

* Katharine’s Network: [Data about the network would be included here if a direct link was available]

* América Futura: https://americafutura.org/

* Futura Produções: https://futuraproducoes.com.br/

* Indigenous Film Archives: Search for online archives dedicated to Indigenous cinema.

* Film Festival Websites: Explore the programs of film festivals known for showcasing Indigenous films