I’ve already said here that I watch less documentaries than I would like. With so many movie and series releases, documentaries end up being left behind. There are exceptions, of course, like some that have to do with film history. It is the case of The Last Movie Stars (HBO Max), e Lucy and Desi (First Video). And it is also the case that Secrets of Putumayo, which is showing in cinemas. Especially for the opportunity to chat with the Oscar-nominated actor for betrayed by desireStephen Rea.
Secrets of Putumayo is directed by Brazilian Aurelio Michiles. It is based on the book by Angus Mitchell, called Roger Casement’s diaries. Roger was the British consul general in Rio de Janeiro. He was commissioned by the British government to investigate the crimes committed against the indigenous people of the Putumayo by the Peruvian Amazon Company in 1910.
What did I think of the documentary?
But the documentary, filmed entirely in black and white, is not restricted to this story, which is already shocking. The film shows the domination of local indigenous peoples. And that included death and torture. He also shows similar facts in Africa, where Basement passed through before coming to Brazil. And his subsequent struggle for Irish independence in his homeland.
In all three locations, the story of dominators and dominated leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. And Stephen Rea’s narration as Roger Casement shows even more the fear, the conflicts of this man, whose story I honestly didn’t know. But I also think the title, Secrets of Putumayo, is not exactly what the film delivers. Yes, the Basement period on location is what takes up the most of the documentary. It is also the one with the most details. However, the other stories are also part of this man’s struggle story.
The film went through several important festivals. This is the case of Hot Docs and Vancouver Intl Film Festival (Canada), Galway Film Fleadh and Foyle Film Festival (Ireland). And also the Rencontres du Cinema Latino-americain (France), AFI DOCS (USA), Festival de Cine de Lima (Peru), among others. Worth knowing.
I spoke with Stephen Rea, who came to Brazil for the film’s release. See below:
Eliane Munhoz
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