Ellas Vinieron de Las Nubes (2024)
In the heart of Oaxaca, three young Afro-Mexicans, Jose David, Fanni, and Marlen, seek to rediscover their African ancestral roots. But when familial loss proves to much to bear, this leads them on a magical journey of self-discovery in which they must confront the challenges of identity, migration, and belonging in a world that denies their existence.
Style
"Filmmaker, Artist, writer Jamal Ademola was deeply inspired by the concepts of decolonial (re)memory, Yoruba cosmology, oneiric film theory, and magical realism, which is prevalent in Latin American literature and art. He sought to infuse this awareness into the non-fiction hybrid film to create a dreamlike atmosphere that blurs the lines between reality and enchantment."
"Ademola's commitment to experimental nonfiction filmmaking also played a pivotal role in shaping the film's unique narrative style. He aims to push the boundaries of storytelling by experimenting with docu-fiction and incorporating animated dreams and visions, allowing for a more immersive and thought-provoking cinematic experience."
Background
"A new category was added recently to the Mexican Census. An article by Pew Research Center focusing on different areas of Latin America utilized polls and concluded United States Latinos of Caribbean descent are more likely to identify as Afro-Latinos than others who have roots somewhere else.[78] Mexico was going through changes because of its citizens’ demands for a new category to include the Black population of the country. The added category brought attention to the way Mexico has been denying its ties to Africa".
"An article in The Guardian noted that Afro-Mexicans are being ignored by their own government due to their African roots.[79] Latin America has experienced problems with colorism throughout its history into the present day, where darker individuals do not receive the same opportunities as those with lighter complexions. Colorism is deeply rooted in Mexico, as noted in an article titled “We exist. We’re here’: Afro-Mexicans make the census after long struggle for recognition” which says “classic discrimination due to skin colour. [They think] if you’re black, you’re not Mexican” this often leads to a bigger problem. Just because you have a darker complexion you are presented with more economic barriers than someone with a lighter complexion, you will not be able to obtain the same amount of resources because you will be pushed aside by the government."
This film has been generously supported by Comcast (NBCUniversal), PAM-CUT // The Center for an Untold Tomorrow, and Kala Art Institute.
CREDITS
CAST : Marlen Maradiaga , Jose David , Tifani Hernandez , Cielo Cortez , Dona Hipolita , Jaguar Womban, Martha Alicia Jiminez Sanchez , Hugo Arellanes
Writer & Director : Jamal Ademola
Producers : Kris Simms, Jamal Ademola
Assistant Director & Casting : Balam Toscano
Production Designer : Jime Chowell
Art Director : Ale Audiffred
Wearable Art : Yelaine Rodriguez
Cinematographer : Benjamin Cabral
1st AC : Roberto Salvador , Josue Vasquez
Gaffers: Azul Avelino , Alberto Vasquez
Editor : Roy Clovis
Sound : Armando Martinez , Abad Lucrecio ,
Eleazar Garcia Sanchez , Gustavo Mora
Music : (Father) Freddie Webb, Joe Farley
Animation : Ellis Ka Yin Chan
Compositing : Tagori Viela
Visual Effects : Carbon VFX
Transportation : Alfredo Carreno
Production Assistant : Jacarrea Garraway
Production Assistant & Translations : Gyzelle Garcia
Special Thanks : Balam Toscano, Hugo Arellanes , Anita Gonzalez (P.h.D.) , Pocoapoco, Comcast (NBCUniversal)
Filming Locations : Oaxaca de Juárez , El Tamal , Collantes , Cuajinicuilapa , Santiago Llano Grande , Corralero , and Los Angeles.
