Looking at Quilombola Women through (Auto)biographical Lenses

Abstract

This work aims to highlight and comprehend the (re)existences of kilombola women through their own voices echoed in the documentary “Mulheres do Quilombo”. Kilombola women are often portrayed as guardians of a vast traditional knowledge that ranges from agricultural, culinary and medicinal practices to spiritual connections, all passed down from generation to generation. In the audiovisual production, four quilombola women, between 24 and 94 years old, narrate their stories of resistance and overcoming, enabling those outside the community to understand how their (re)existences have been deeply rooted in the memory of the stories lived by them and the women who preceded them. In this narrative analysis, the central role of women in kilombola communities is highlighted, not only as maintainers of culture and traditions, but, especially, as leaders in processes of resistance, gender equality and fight for rights.