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Blossoms of Fire
Directed by: Maureen Gosling and Ellen Osborne
Starring: The People of Juchitan, Mexico
Genre:
Documentary
Run Time: 75
min.
Release Date:
February 2006
On The Web:
Official
Site
Teaser: Not Available
Reviewed by
Byron Merritt |
BLOSSOMS OF FIRE is
visually appealing and contains some very interesting information on the
relationships between women and men, women and business, and women and
politics in Oaxaca, Mexico. The wonderful colors that infuse almost
every scene are one of this documentary’s biggest draws. That the women
of the area make most of their apparel by hand is well known, and many
of the dress items are sought after by locals and foreigners alike.
The women are what this documentary is all about. The focus is on the
matriarchal society that once existed (and maybe still does) in this
area. Women run many of the businesses, are highly independent, and are
deeply involved in the politics of the region. Film makers Maureen
Gosling and Ellen Osborne dive into the culture of Oaxaca and take the
viewer with them as some of the people of Oaxaca comment on this area’s
cultural significance. Some say that there is no matriarchal hierarchy,
while others say there is. Perhaps the matriarchal nature of the area is
so ingrained in the people of Oaxaca that they don’t even notice it. Or
perhaps it’s just a bunch of media hype to make the area more
interesting. Who knows.
The cleanliness of the area is what will impress many watchers, too.
Most rural areas of Mexico tend to look unkempt, with hogs and dogs
running amuck through tattered streets, and the residence wearing holey
clothes. Not so here. The streets are swept clean, the people impeccably
dressed, and not a hog or dog to be seen.
The area is also a hotbed of anti-Mexican governmentalism. Fiercely
independent by nature, the women (and men) protect their identity with
rabid ferocity. But they also accept change and integrate it into their
society ...but in a way that befits their Oaxacan culture rather than
one that eats away at it.
The film does stray some when it starts discussing the acceptance of
homosexuality and lesbianism, though. Although interesting, it isn’t
what drove this area of Mexico to its current high level of female
sophistication.
Even so, this is interesting information and the bright adornments on
all the beautiful women is pure eye-candy.
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Image from Blossoms of
Fire
DVD cost: $19.90
Purchase:
Amazon.com
Film Review Stew
Favorite? No.
Stew Poo-Poo? No.
Newsworthy:
The film won the Award for
Excellence from the Society for Visual Anthropology, American
Anthropological Association.
Movie Quote: "We're
just strong women, that's all."
Other Actors/Actresses
from Blossoms of Fire
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