Comparsa is an intense, urgent exploration of the power of art to heal a community, overcoming the traumas of violence and corruption. Sisters Lesli and Lupe are visionary young artists who are spurred to action after a horrific act of violence strikes their community in Guatemala City. When 41 teenage girls are killed and the perpetrators go unpunished, the sisters fight back. They recruit local teenagers to mount an exuberant comparsa, taking to the streets with giant puppets, batucada drums, and fire-breathing. Disguising their protest in spectacle, Lesli and Lupe expose a pattern of abuse and empower a new generation.
Biography:
Vickie Curtis is Emmy-winning writer of The Social Dilemma and Chasing Coral. Her work explores the systemic roots of social and ecological crises, and the artists and activists working to rebuild. Vickie’s storytelling spans award-winning documentaries including Searching For Amani, We Are Guardians, Greener Pastures, and Anbessa.
Doug Anderson is a filmmaker and founder of Paper Moth Media, where he creates politically engaged documentary work, including the groundbreaking campaign of US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. His credits include cinematography for To The End and The Providers, and sound work on Predators, Knock Down the House and Pride.
Anna Hadingham, a theater artist and youth advocate. She spent a decade working alongside Guatemalan youth in Ciudad Peronia on arts-based youth development initiatives. Anna has also served as director of youth programs at La Colaborativa, a non-profit organization run by and for the immigrant community. She continues collaborations with Peronia Adolescente, rooting her work in community, justice, and imagination.
Olivia Ahnemann is an Oscar-nominated producer of Porcelain War. Olivia has over two decades of experience crafting bold, impactful documentaries. Her credits include Youth v Gov,Under the Gun, Racing Extinction, and The Cove, which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary.
