Guarani: The Surviving Language
Guarani, The Surviving Language is a motion graphics short film that is deeply personal, rooted in the Guarani language that has shaped my identity since birth. The project goes beyond showcasing Guarani; it seeks to preserve a culture through storytelling, highlighting the resilience of a language and its people.
The Project
Guarani, The Surviving Language was my final project for the Master of Multimedia Design at Monash University in 2018. My journey began with a return to Paraguay, where I interviewed my grandmother, a Guarani professor, and a ceramic artist dedicated to indigenous traditions. These conversations, along with my research, wove together the film's narrative. I aimed to reveal the beauty of Guarani to an international audience, using Paraguayan voices, including my own, to speak its truth.
The Script
The script weaves together excerpts from Eduardo Galeano’s writings and a speech he delivered, creating a harmonious blend of poetry and insight. It captures the essence of Paraguay through Guarani. It conveys how, from the ashes of conquest, Guarani endures, reflecting the spirit of both the native peoples and their conquerors. Despite challenges, Guarani remains a sacred language that emerges in moments of truth—love and humour.
Visual Language
The film's visuals draw inspiration from Paraguay's landscape—red soil, earthy tones, and indigenous art. Each illustration and all text were created by hand, bringing to life characters based on real people and crafting a visual narrative that resonates with Guarani's cultural richness.
Pictures taken in Paraguay as part of the research process
Moodboard
Recognition and Impact
The project was featured in Monash's Infinite exhibition, where it was recognized as the standout work among multimedia design projects. It captured the attention of a diverse audience, bringing awareness to Paraguay's cultural heritage.
To spark curiosity about the language, I created keepsake cards with English words derived from Guarani.
The film was also displayed at the Wall to Wall exhibition, sharing space with works from various disciplines.
This project was a heartfelt exploration of my cultural heritage, aiming to inspire appreciation for the Guarani language and its significance.
