Summary
Le Paraguay emerges not as a conventional narrative but as a fascinating ethnographic and geographical expedition through the heart of South America. This early cinematic endeavor meticulously chronicles the diverse landscape of Paraguay, from the life-giving river that names it to the sprawling Gran Chaco desert. The film presents a curated tour, juxtaposing the ancient traditions of the Chamacoco indigenous people with the enduring craftsmanship of traditional lime production in Calera, and the colonial echoes of Concepción against the burgeoning modernity of Asunción. It also highlights the architectural grandeur of Jesuit missions and the monumental feat of engineering represented by the Itaipú dam, culminating in a cross-border spectacle at the majestic Iguazú Falls, all while offering a glimpse into the lives of European expatriates. It's less a story, more a curated window into a nation's soul and its multifaceted identity, captured through the intrepid lens of Marquis de Wavrin.
Synopsis
Paraguay is an interesting country, spanning across the South American continent. The name was given to it by a river of the same name, which forms the backbone of the entire country and in the language of the original habitants Guaraná means "water that goes all the way to the ocean". The film introduces not only the beauties and points of interest in the Paraguayan nature, but also its history and current picture of life, including a visit to a native Indian village Chamacoco at the north of the country. We'll take you to the famous Calera, where to this day lime is being produced the old fashioned way; you'll stroll through the colonial city Concepción and the metropolis Asunción. You'll see the great desert Gran Chaco, which today is the home to several Indian tribes and Jesuit missions recorded on the UNESCO list are awaiting you as well as one of the greatest wonders of the modern world-the Itaipú dam. We will visit a Czech countryman, who founded a Slavic association and at the end you will cross with us the borders of a country in order to see one of the greatest natural wonders on the planet - the Iguazu waterfalls.
