--- title: "Peccary Roams Freely in São Paulo Territory" url: https://noti.group/peccary-roams-freely-in-sao-paulo-territory/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Entertainment" published: 2026-11-15T06:00:00.000Z updated: 2026-11-15T08:37:26.310Z id: 25e075e8-655d-48ca-be04-5d06d833d5d1 source: "The Hollywood Reporter https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/arrow-for-a-stone-heart-film-brazil-indigenous-lens-tallinn-1236753851/" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/peccary-roams-freely-in-sao-paulo-territory/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Peccary Roams Freely in São Paulo Territory The peccary shares its story of how the arrival of colonizers changed the landscape, leading to restricted space for nature and creatures. A peculiar sight has been spotted in the territory of the Guaraní people on the outskirts of São Paulo, Brazil - a pig-like creature roaming freely. This peccary, named Rete, shares its story with us, recounting the events that unfolded when colonizers first settled in the area. "My name is Rete, I am a peccary," it says matter-of-factly. According to Rete's account, things began to change drastically as more and more people arrived, bringing stones that gradually took over the landscape. This expansion had a profound impact on an ancient river, plants, and various creatures that called this land home. The space once occupied by nature was increasingly restricted. In this same territory, Jera Rete experiences vivid nightmares, where the city encroaches upon her village. However, she also finds solace in conversations with an elderly woman. Moreover, the river itself possesses a voice - one that can be heard if one is willing to listen carefully. The boundaries between reality and dreams begin to blur. Writer-director Luiza Calagian's debut feature, Arrow for a Stone Heart, is a poetic exploration of this world. Collaborating closely with the local Guaraní indigenous community, she guides us through the heart of the forest near the bustling city. This unique narrative approach stems from the distinct way indigenous people experience and narrate reality. Their perspective seamlessly weaves together myths, dreams, and relationships with non-human entities, creating a rich tapestry that transcends traditional notions of time and space. The film's documentary-fiction hybrid format serves as a powerful tool for sharing this distinctive worldview with a wider audience. The narrative of Arrow for a Stone Heart delves deep into the community's history, shedding light on their struggles through a cinematic journey that borders on the surreal. The film is set to make its world premiere at the 30th edition of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia, specifically within the Rebels with a Cause Competition, on November 17. Co-creator and cinematographer Jara Calagian worked alongside co-writer Jera Rete to bring this unique vision to life. The film's editing was a collaborative effort between Calagian and Caio De, while Vinicius Toro and Sabrina Zimmermann handled production duties with Bruno Cucio serving as executive producer. Utopia Docs is responsible for distributing the film globally, overseeing its sales in the process. Ahead of the premiere, Calagian shared insights into the development of Arrow for a Stone Heart, acknowledging that it has been a labor of love spanning seven years. Calagian revealed that initially, he aimed to tell the story of the Guaraní people but soon realized that their narrative should be presented from their own perspective, rather than through Western eyes. This shift in approach opened up new possibilities for creative expression and transformation. The challenge lay in incorporating the Guaraní's cosmology and philosophy into the film's structure, a task that, according to Calagian, was both daunting and liberating. The creative team delved deep into the Guaraní's spiritual practices to infuse their film with authenticity. Their research led them to explore the significance of dreams in Guaraní culture. Dreams are not just a product of one's imagination but a means of connecting with other dimensions, beings, and spirits, including those from the past and gods. As Calagian worked closely with Jera, she not only became a trusted collaborator but also a close friend. Jera's enthusiasm for the project was contagious, and she soon took on an active role in its development. She helped to assemble the cast, drawing from her own family members. Her two daughters were among the main characters, with one playing the part of the river and the other voicing Rete, a peccary. The peccary became an integral symbol in Calagian's production company, Mata Fechada Filmes. It represents the magic of cinema, embodying the ability to traverse worlds, dimensions, and perspectives. The film's narrative delves into the consequences of human actions on the natural world and the impact of colonization on indigenous communities. A key element in conveying these themes is the character of the river, a powerful spirit revered by the Guaraní people. The filmmaker emphasizes that even before colonization, the Guaraní treated the river with respect, recognizing its potential dangers. The inclusion of this anthropomorphic presence serves to highlight the resilience of nature in the face of adversity. Despite destruction and disruption, life persists, a testament to the enduring power of the natural world. Careful attention was paid to linguistic details to ensure an authentic representation of the indigenous perspective. Specific phrases, such as "those who are many, were used to convey the Guaraní people's perception of outsiders. The filmmaker has a long history of collaboration with the Guaraní community, having worked on various projects over more than 10 years. Past efforts included promoting government recognition of indigenous lands within urban areas. A significant historical dispute surrounds the colonization of São Paulo, where regional culture often celebrates the arrival of colonizers who displaced the original Guaraní inhabitants. This complex legacy continues to shape contemporary relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous communities. The film's title, Arrow for a Stone Heart, is a deliberate play on words referencing both the phrase 'heart of stone' and the presence of colonialist statues and monuments that still stand today. These reminders of past oppression are a stark contrast to the rich cultural heritage of indigenous communities. We need to acknowledge the pain and the hurt caused by these historical events," emphasizes Calagian, highlighting the importance of confronting the legacy of colonialism. This understanding is at the heart of the film's project, which seeks to reclaim and share indigenous narratives in a way that promotes healing and reconciliation. --- Source: [The Hollywood Reporter](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/arrow-for-a-stone-heart-film-brazil-indigenous-lens-tallinn-1236753851/) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/peccary-roams-freely-in-sao-paulo-territory/