Anonymous Comrade writes

"Quilombo Country" Preview Screening

New York City, Jan. 15, 2007

Tribes Gallery, 285 E. 3rd Street (Btwn C&D)
Length: 73 minutes. $5 Refreshments courtesy of Beleza Pura Cachaça
DJ tunes by Katie Sardelli & Dave Insley
CONTACT: Leonard Abrams at 212-260-7540

Quilombo Films is previewing "Quilombo Country," a new film about modern-day quilombos, on Monday, January 15 at 7pm at Tribes Gallery. This special preview screening features the film’s new narration by hip hop legend Chuck D of the band Public Enemy. The director, Leonard Abrams, will be present for a Q&A directly following the screening.

Brazil, once the world's largest slave colony, was a brutal and deadly place for millions of Africans. But many thousands escaped or rebelled, creating their own communities in Brazil's untamed hinterland. Largely unknown to the outside world, today these communities, known as quilombos, struggle to preserve a rich heritage born of resistance to oppression."Quilombo Country" ("Quilombo" is an Angolan word meaning "encampment") ranges from the Northeastern sugar-growing regions to the heart of the Amazon rainforest, discussing issues of political identity, land rights, and racial and socioeconomic discrimination. Included are examples of the material culture that allow the quilombolas to survive in relative isolation, including hunting, fishing, construction and agriculture; and rare footage of syncretic Umbanda and Pajelança ceremonies; Tambor de Crioula, Carimbó and Boi Bumba drum and dance celebrations; and Festivals of the Mast.

"Quilombo Country" is narrated by Chuck D, the legendary poet, scholar, media commentator and front man of the iconic hip hop band Public Enemy. A Gathering of the Tribes is an arts and cultural organization dedicated to excellence in the arts from a diverse perspective.

For more information on "Quilombo Country," go here or call
212-260-7540. Email: nfo@quilombofilm.com