If you value a film’s ideological viewpoint and its commitment to timely issues, then Uahat, the documentary by Argentine filmmakers Julián Borrell, Franco González and Demian Santander, is a must see. Not only does it present a poignant perspective, but it also clearly and vehemently speaks up.
Uahat focuses on the increasingly desperate situation of the Wichí community in the Chaco Salteño, on the borders of Bolivia and Paraguay. They’ve lost (and keep losing) their main food source: the fish from the Pilcomayo river, which has been deviated to Paraguayan territory because of the Proyecto Pantalón, a commercial agreement between Argentina and Paraguay executed back in the 90s.
A dynamic documentary aiming to denounce and raise awareness, Uahat peels back the complicated layers of the Wichís’ problem and raises controversial questions as to where the responsibilities lie. The tribe’s chief worries that the needs of Argentina’s native communities have been repeatedly neglected by several administrations. The documentary concedes that there has been some improvement over the past few years, thanks to the joint effort of active members of these communities, who have firmly decided enough is enough. Still, there’s a long way to go.
Uahat is honest, moving and persuasive — enlightening the audience to a legitimate issue without construing the truth to elicit sympathy. It’s truly informative from the first frame to the last. With that being said, the cinematography is not up to par. At times, the voice-over becomes redundant, adding unnecessary commentary when images would have been more compelling.
Fortunately, none of these flaws lessens the impact of this much needed indictment, as its power lies in the voices and faces of those who have the courage to speak up. Had the filming been more daring and effective, the movie-watching experience would have been more gripping.
Production notes
Uahat – El Padre Río negado para sus hijos (Argentina/Bolivia/Paraguay 2013).Written, directed and edited by Julián Borrell, Franco González y Demian Santander. Cinematography: Julián Borrell y Demian Santander. Running time: 76 minutes.
@PablSuarez
