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Fictional movie about Makushi in the making
Aimed at showcasing the splendor of Guyana’s natural rainforests and preserving the culture of its first people, overseas based Guyanese Writer and Director, Michael Gilkes has embarked on a new film titled, “Maira and the jaguar people.”
Giving a synopsis on his new project, Gilkes, said that the film, is approximately 45 minutes long and is a fictional piece about the Makushi people.
Michael Gilkes
“It is story time in a small Amerindian community. The Piaiman (spiritualist) tells the legendary story of Maira and her brother Mairun to other children gathered around his benab. Maira loves birdsong and is fascinated by the “flute-like” call of a rare bird no one had ever seen. Mairun dreams of becoming a brave hunter. Maira and Mairun, who happen to be twins, become caught up in a dreamlike drama of life. They eventually lose their way and meet a talking jaguar in the forest, while looking for Maira’s mysterious ‘flute-bird’.
The ‘jaguar’, its secret discovered, refuses to let them return to the village. They must become ‘karamapichu’ (jaguar people) like him. It finally threatens to attack them. Mairun kills the creature with a single arrow, but dies saving his sister who is able to escape during the fight….”
The movie is the flagship for series of films set to be released about life in several territories across the Caribbean.
These productions will capture the essence of “growing up Caribbean” as the central characters are all children.
The film Director said that Guyana was chosen for the initial production since it is the oldest existing province in the Caribbean; with suffice traditions of Amerindians.
Gilkes said that his inspiration came from his experience as a boy venturing into the interior; he was captivated by the landscape, natural sound, and beautiful serenity of Guyana’s jungle.
Life of Amerindian people continues to fascinate him. According to Gilkes, the movie has an important message etched within, a message of survival.
“The Amerindians know that the importance of protecting the rainforest, they have protected and honored it because they know how important it is, to the survival of the human race. It is the lungs of the globe.”
The natives will construct a 1950 style Makushi village at Saruma, Region Nine.
The village will later, become a museum or part of an eco -tourism drive, which can used as a tourist attraction, channeling much needed revenue into the community.
“We are marketing Guyana overall …this is the first time I have done a production of this depth highlighting the importance of the preservation of the rainforest.
The film, which is a heartland production, will market Guyana as a tourist attraction and contribute to the economy.
It will feature, the work of renowned Barbadian filmmaker, Penelope Hynam, and overseas-based Guyanese actor, Carl Gomes. Gomes has had appearances in the daytime TV drama “As the world turns.”
Local sponsors of the film include TGA airlines and Gafoor and Sons. Gilkes is optimistic that other interested organisations will join the production.
Michael Gilkes was born in 1935, in Guyana. He is a writer, dramatist, filmmaker, and University Lecturer, who has been involved in theater for over forty years. Some of his film productions include concert in the rainforest and music of El Dorado.
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