IThe Yagan people once inhabited one of the world’s most inhospitable regions on the southernmost tip of America. Today, their numbers have dwindled to just two direct descendents, Úrsula and Cristina Calderon. When these very old women die they will in all likelihood take their culture and language to the grave with them. For this reason, much effort is being spent recording the last remaining traces of the Yaganes for posterity. Paola Castillo went in search of these traces, documented the lives of the two old women and described in poetic manner the culture of one of Chile’s last indigenous peoples. [aus dem Forumprogramm]

1 How would you describe the aesthetics of your film?

The film pretends to create atmospheres through the landscape, the oral rapports of the two sisters that are the last yagans, and throug music. This documentary works with a realist and classic cinematography, but the editing and sound design pretends to create poetic atmospheres playing with senses.

2 Why did you choose to shoot on dv?

Because it´s a format that brings good results in photography. It´s very convenient, and because of its features (size, weigth) it´s ideal for documentary works. Personally I use the Canon XL-1, and it works great in exterior slot.

3 What was special about shooting in dv (e.g.compared to 35mm, was it your first time with dv or are you used to it)?

It was the first time. The special thing is that it’s a format easy and quick to handle.

4 Which camera and which editing software did you use?

I used a Canon XL-1 and for editing, I used Avid MC Express. Fot the postproduction I used Avid Express DV-

5 What was your shoot-edit ratio?

4/3

6 Would you have preferred to shoot in another format? If so which?

Yes, If I had had more resources, I would have used 35 mm, because it´s the best format for distribution and exhibition. In Chile, commercial theaters do not have technical conditions for screening digital formats.

7 Does using dv mean that you are considering other means of distribution opposing the established? If so which?

The truth is that no. The option for using DV has to do with budget. Documentary films are each day more important, but it’s not consolidated as an industry.
Yet, leading us to use digital formats: Just recently we have begun thinking about other ways of distribution, such as internet.

8 One good word about dv (or two):

very good quality

9 One bad word about dv (or two):

bad distribution situation in Chile