The Falling Sky: A Critique of Outsiders’ Destruction Through the Lens of the Yanomami People

Rediance, an international sales agent with a China-based office, has acquired worldwide rights to the feature documentary “The Falling Sky” directed by Eryk Rocha and Gabriela Carneiro da Cunha. The film will have its premiere at Cannes in May in the Directors Fortnight section, focusing on the Amazonian Yanomami people as its main subjects.

Adapted from Davi Kopenawa’s book of the same name, with input from French anthropologist Bruce Albert, “The Falling Sky” captures the Watorikɨ indigenous community participating in a funeral rite known as reahu. This ritual is a collective effort to support the sky and prevent it from falling, showcasing the unique cultural practices of the Yanomami people.

Rocha’s tenth feature film and third appearance at Cannes, where he previously won L’Oeil d’Or for “Cinema Novo” in 2016, this documentary serves as a powerful critique of outsiders’ destruction of Yanomami way of life. Through stunning visuals, intricate sound design, and Kopenawa’s profound words, it delves into Yanomami cosmology and their importance to their knowledge.

Carneiro da Cunha is a Brazilian artist, theater director, performer, filmmaker and environmental art activist who has extensive experience working in the Brazilian Amazon. She co-directed “Edna” with Rocha and directed other films together like short films directed by Yanomami filmmakers.

Produced by Aruac Filmes with co-production by Hutukara Associação Yanomami and Stemal Entertainment in collaboration with Les Films d’Ici,”The Falling Sky” offers an intimate look at the Yanomami people. At Cannes this year Rediance will also handle Chinese-speaking territories for “Grand Tour,” directed by Miguel Gomes in Main Competition Official Selection.

Rediance also actively promotes recent Berlin titles like Nele Wohlatz’s “Sleep With Your Eyes Open” and Qu Youjia’s “She Sat There Like All Ordinary Ones.” Additionally they were involved in handling Anthony Chen’s “The Breaking Ice” last year which demonstrates their commitment to showcasing diverse and impactful cinema from around the world.