Amazon River Madeira cinema expedition brings free screenings to river communities

The collective Vozes da Periferia launched a floating cinema expedition on the Rio Madeira, traveling from Manaus toward the municipalities of Borba and Nova Olinda do Norte. After a 17‑hour boat journey, the project offered free film screenings – including titles such as Rio 2, WALL‑E and the documentary Amazônia – O Despertar da Florestania – and practical audiovisual workshops called “Olhar Ribeirinho.”

The workshops taught participants to record their own stories using only mobile devices, while all sessions were fully accessible with descriptive subtitles and sign‑language translation. Funded through the National Aldir Blanc Cultural Policy (PNAB), the initiative aims to decentralise cultural access, preserve community memory and strengthen regional identity among hundreds of river‑ine residents.

Screenings took place on July 14‑15 in Borba and July 17‑18 in Nova Olinda do Norte, with activities held in local cultural centres and public squares. Organisers stress that the expedition not only entertains but also equips locals to become storytellers of their own heritage.