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The Swinging Cholitas

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Women soar 50 foot into the air on giant swings in a remote Bolivian village.
It is a unique culmination of the Catholic Day of the Dead festival.
But why do these Cholitas - the name given to indigenous Bolivian women - do it?
Pedro, an English-Bolivian, went to the village of his childhood for the first time in over two decades to find out, and discover his own rich culture.
Thirdman

4 responses // The Swinging Cholitas

  • A good documentary with an optimistic tone that's very well made. These sorts of cultural investigations are great viewing because of the customs and practices and lives we don't normally get to see or hear about. I particularly like the way you capture the spirit of the Cholitas - in death they find light. The use of the piano player is brilliant - the final shot of the clapping in the almost empty room is lovely. And, the swinging Cholitas is really nicely edited together with quick cuts timed with the music. My only gripe would be that I would have liked to have seen some more tripod shots as the camera is a little shaky at times, and the some of the dialogue is a bit Good stuff!
    StrangeConversation
  • Agree with SC. I think there's something really interesting which comes when somebody with a connection to a place like Pedro goes back. You get deeper quicker and there's a reason behind the film which you don't get otherwise, or at least not in the same way. Enjoyed that.
    stan_street
  • A compelling shorthand account of Bolivia's famous Day of the Dead celebrations; Pedro's own journey of discovery makes the piece relevant and the symbolism speaks for itself.
    The jangling piano and slightly wobbly camera-work gives the footage a nostalgic quality which works well with the material.
    The only caveat - in my opinion - is that the tradition of swinging Cholitas is not put in a wider historical context.
    Good to see these sorts of stories being told on Current.
    Strangebutstrong
  • Fantastic Pod!

    This is what Current is all about.
    chicoescachaz

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