The Falling Sky: An Adaptation of Davi Kopenawa’s Book on the Yanomami People, Acquired by Rediance for Worldwide Distribution

The international sales agent Rediance, based in China, has recently acquired the worldwide distribution rights to the feature documentary “The Falling Sky”. Directed by Eryk Rocha and Gabriela Carneiro da Cunha, the film will have its world premiere at Cannes next month in the Directors Fortnight section.

Focusing on the Amazonian Yanomami people as its main subjects, “The Falling Sky” is an adaptation of the book by Yanomami shaman Davi Kopenawa and French anthropologist Bruce Albert. The film captures the Watorikɨ indigenous community participating in a funeral rite known as reahu, which is a collective effort to support the sky and prevent it from falling. This ritual showcases the unique cultural practices of the Yanomami people.

“The Falling Sky” serves as a powerful critique of the destruction of Yanomami culture caused by outsiders such as white prospectors and modern society entering their territory. Through stunning visuals, intricate sound design, and Davi Kopenawa’s profound words, the film delves into Yanomami cosmology and highlights their knowledge’s importance.

Eryk Rocha’s tenth feature film marks his third appearance at Cannes, where he previously won L’Oeil d’Or for “Cinema Novo” in 2016. Gabriela Carneiro da Cunha is his co-director and a Brazilian artist, theater director, performer, filmmaker, and environmental art activist with extensive experience working in Brazilian Amazon territory. Together with Aruac Filmes as producers and Hutukara Associação Yanomami and Stemal Entertainment as co-producers with Rai Cinema in collaboration with Les Films d’Ici, “The Falling Sky” provides an intimate look at the lives of Yanomami people.

In addition to “The Falling Sky,” Rediance is actively promoting its recent Berlin titles such as Nele Wohlatz’s “Sleep With Your Eyes Open” and Qu Youjia’s “She Sat There Like All Ordinary Ones.” The company was also involved in handling Anthony Chen’s “The Breaking Ice” last year while demonstrating their commitment to showcasing diverse cinema from around