The Sydney Latin America Film Festival has programmed a tribute to one of the most revered artists in Latin American folklore.
The festival will premiere the documentary Violeta mas Viva que Nunca about the life of Chilean composer, songwriter and visual artist Violeta Parra.
Regarded as "The Mother of Latin American folk" Parra was a pioneer of the “new song” movement and registered as the first Latin American exhibitor at the Louvre museum in Paris.
Parra was considered a remarkable ambassador of the Latin American culture.
Daniel Rojas, a lecturer of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, will give an introduction to the special screening which explores the history, personality and artistic contribution of “La Violeta”.
The screenings traces an amazing journey that brings the viewer closer to Parra’s inspirational resilience.
Once she wielded a guitar she felt for the first time a silence in her grief, a space for the good cause, a moment of clear mind. The woman found calmness and penned Gracias a la Vida – her most famous song.
Violeta mas Viva que Nunca was 10 years in the making, collecting the memories of the people who knew her best.
Alejandro Jodorowsky, Gonzalo Rojas and Lalo Parra remember Parra’s genius, work and passions.
The festival will also screen Cantar con Sentido a touching animation in stop-motion, which tells Violeta’s story while also shows the challenges that many Latin American countries share.
After the screenings, public will be treated to a live performance from Lily Guerrero, musician, songwriter and member of the award-winning show band Salza Kingz.
Playing guitar, charango and cajon, Guerrero will be sharing her unique folkloric expression of the wonderful songs written by Violeta Parra.
Addison Road Picture House in Marrickville will host the tribute to Violeta Parra which is the festival’s annual Cine Lounge fundraiser event on Friday, August 17, from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.
The Sydney Latin America Film Festival will screen 16 films at Dendy Opera Quays, Addison Road Picture House Marrickville and PYT Fairfield from September 6-15.
Details: www.sydneylatinofilmfestival.org
