las hojas
2018 _ 6’min _ field recordings 

sennheiser mkh 416 + edirol r-4
various locations, august 2018.

 

las hojas is the second part of a diptych centered on recordings made in bolivia.

in the summer of 2018, I traveled to the south american country to work on a documentary exploring its music and cultural traditions. this experience provided an invaluable opportunity to engage with persons who hold profound connections to the land.

these short pieces explore the relationship between two individuals and their bond to leaves. on one hand, antonio escobos is a cocalero, representing the voices of many small farmers who cultivate one of the symbols of the plurinational state. this plant holds deep cultural significance, as it is woven into daily life, easing the weight of labor and alleviating the challenges posed by high altitudes.

on the other hand, there is don puga, an expert in a unique instrument —the orange leaf— which he claims to be the only interpreter of in the region today. hailing from porongo, he performs solo or with his orchestra, offering a repertoire that spans from classical music to popular songs.

two distinct perspectives shaping our relationship with the environment, each rooted in an inherent interdependence on natural resources. these resources form the foundation of our sense of self and community, revealing a complex interplay between our identities and the ecosystems that sustain us.