"The Awakening of the Gods" - Film screening and discussion with the directors Juan Manuel Quirós Romero and William Reyes Milla

"El despertar de los dioses" - "The Awakening of the Gods" - Film screening and discussion with the directors Juan Manuel Quirós Romero and William Reyes Milla
Wednesday, November 29, 2023, 6:00 pm in the Elchkeller of Leibniz University, Schneiderberg 50

The Romanic Seminar at Leibniz University and the Elchkeller collective cordially invite you to a screening of the Peruvian cultural documentary "El despertar de los dioses" by directors Juan Manuel Quirós Romero and William Reyes Milla. The documentary accompanies the traditional "Fiesta de las cruces" ("Festival of the Crosses"), which is celebrated every year on the second Sunday in February in Huaráz (Peru). This film not only shows a unique traditional festival that is little known even within Peru, but also documents it in the indigenous language of the local people - Quechua. There will be English subtitles for our screening.

The Fiesta de las cruces is characterized by its complex rituals, dances and music, but above all by the thousands of colourfully decorated crosses that the participants from the communities around Huaráz make for the occasion. Through the crosses, they still worship the ancient deities that their ancestors worshipped. Religious syncretism made it possible for these deities to continue to exist under missionary rule, hidden under Christian symbols such as the impressive crosses of the campesino communities around Huaráz.

The documentary is based on eight years of intensive research, filming during the celebrations and interviews with the people involved. As the directors themselves come from Huaráz, it is particularly important to them to share the culture of their region and to strengthen their language through the medium of film and make it accessible to an international audience. The trailer in Spanish can be viewed on Facebook: https://fb.watch/nK9VM0kdl2/

The evening's program includes a screening of the documentary (51 min.) followed by a discussion with the directors (in English). Admission is free.

We look forward to your participation!

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