New Documentary Viramundo Explores Multiculturalism With A Little Help From Gilberto Gil
17 July, 2013Gilberto Gil has put himself in danger of becoming the next Michael Palin following the news that the documentary Viramundo, following Gil on a trip across the Southern Hemisphere, will soon be released in the UK in both the cinema and on DVD.
Far from focusing solely on Gil’s musical qualities, the documentary (directed by Pierre-Yves Borgeaud) looks to continue the work that Gil began as Minister of Culture in Brazil, where ideas of his, like Pontos de Cultura (Culture Points), looked to provide access to culture, technology and means of creating art to people all across Brazil, breaking down sociological and economic barriers in the process.
Borgeaud, who has a history of making documentaries about art and music, “wanted Viramundo to be a portrait of Gilberto Gil rooted in the present, while also questioning the universality of some of his visions and viewpoints.” Seeing Brazil as the best example of a multi-cultural society that promotes communality and has embraced technology the documentary looks to answer questions such as “Is it possible for society to function without the burden of racial discrimination? Can we imagine a new world, a society based on participation, that promotes the inclusion rather than the exclusion of diversity?” To do this the documentary heads to countries such as Australia and South Africa that carry a stigma of racism to try and answer these questions, and more.
Viramundo will be in UK cinemas and on VOD Platforms Blinkbox, iTunes, Curzon Home Cinema from 26th July 2013, and available on DVD from 5th August 2013. Of particular note are two screenings of the film at the Barbican on 27th and 28th July. More information on the film can be found at viramundo-film.com
Here is the synopsis of the film:
After decades of sold out shows and international recognition, musician Gilberto Gil embarks on a new kind of world tour through the southern hemisphere. From Brazil to Australia and South Africa, Gil continues the work he began as Brazil’s first black Minister of Culture – promoting the power of cultural diversity in a globalized world and sharing his vision for our future: a diverse, interconnected planet filled with hope, exchange…and of course music!
And here’s the trailer:
http://vimeo.com/63165159
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