Eryk Rocha and Gabriela Carneiro da Cunha’s “The Falling Sky” has been acquired by China-based international sales agent Rediance for world sales rights. The film, which premieres at Cannes in the Directors Fortnight section next month, focuses on the Amazonian Yanomami people and their traditional way of life, which is under threat from the intrusion of white prospectors and civilized society.
Rediance was impressed with the spellbinding images, meticulous sound design, and powerful message conveyed by Davi Kopenawa, a shaman and Yanomami leader who co-wrote the book upon which the film is based. The company tapped into the beauty of Yanomami cosmology and its xapiri spirits while highlighting the geopolitical importance of their knowledge.
“The Falling Sky” marks Eryk Rocha’s tenth feature film and his third time showcasing his work at Cannes. His previous film, “Cinema Novo,” won the L’Oeil d’Or Award in 2016. Co-director Gabriela Carneiro da Cunha is a multi-talented Brazilian artist, theater director, performer, filmmaker, and environmental activist who has dedicated more than a decade to working with the Brazilian Amazon. The duo previously collaborated on “Edna” and a collection of short films directed by Yanomami filmmakers.
In addition to “The Falling Sky,” Rediance will also handle Chinese-speaking territories for the co-production project “Grand Tour” by Miguel Gomes, premiering in the Official Selection’s main competition at Cannes. The company continues to work on its recent Berlin titles, including Nele Wohlatz’s “Sleep With Your Eyes Open” and Qu Youjia’s “She Sat There Like All Ordinary Ones,” as well as Anthony Chen’s “The Breaking Ice.”
