NFB Collection
Becoming a Man: Amuy, the Army of Wasp Men
201052 minFilm: Documentary
Direction: Jérôme Raynaud
Production: Manuel Catteau
This title is an acquisition.
In the Kayapo community of northern Brazil, young adolescents must face a terrible challenge to reach adulthood: confront Amyu, a giant wasp that builds nests as big as men, on top of the highest trees of the forest. The legend says that it is the most aggressive of all animals and even the bravest men fear its sting. By enduring hundreds of painful stings, boys prove they are ready to become strong and brave men.
In the village of Pukanu, the project of a new hydroelectric dam on the Xingu River provokes anger among the community. This dam is seen as a declaration of war by the Indians.
The elders decide it is time for the young Kayapos to attack Amyu and prepare for battle. Only if the boys succeed this initiatory ordeal will they be able to fight against those who destroy their forest.
Other versions
Subject categories
- Children and Youth > Coming of Age StoriesYouth of the World
- Technology > Dams, Irrigation and Power Projects
- Environment and Conservation > Indigenous Concerns
- Indigenous Peoples outside Canada > South America
- Family Studies/Home Economics > Adolescent Development
- Diversity > Diversity in Communities
- Geography > Human Geography
- Health/Personal Development > Human Growth and Development
Credits
- producer
- Manuel Catteau
- director
- Jérôme Raynaud
- music
- Mathias Duplessy