Chasing Shadows
Journal of Anthropological Films October 23, 2021 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.15845/jaf.v5i02.3306 via DOAJ
Summary
This film provides an intimate look at the Kyangyang prophetic movement in Guinea-Bissau, whose Balanta members communicate with ancestors through writing, glossolalia, divination, and spirit possession. Guided by ancestors, they heal and advise in collective ceremonies. The film gives voice to members of all ages and genders, exploring Kyangyang's relationship with Balanta cosmology and with Islam and Christianity, both Catholic and Evangelical.
Study at a glance
| Design | ethnographic film |
|---|---|
| Population | members of the Kyangyang movement, Balanta ethnic group, Guinea-Bissau |
| Key finding | The film portrays Kyangyang as a creative, poetic prophetic movement that engages with ancestral communication and coexists with Islam and Christianity. |
Abstract
“Chasing Shadows” offers an intimate portrait of the current practice of the prophetic movement called Kyangyang in Guinea-Bissau. Kyangyang means “the shadows”, but its followers also call themselves “Children of God”. The members of the movement, belonging to the Balanta ethnic group, communicate with their ancestors, who transmit messages from the high God through prophetic writing, glossolalia, divination rituals, and spirit possession. Guided by the ancestors, they heal and give advice in collective ceremonies. This film delves into the creative and poetic world of Kyangyang by giving voice to its members, young and adults, men and women. It also explores the relations between Kyangyang and Balanta cosmology and between the prophetic movement and the two main "world religions" in the country: Islam and Christianity, in its Catholic and Evangelical modes. Original idea and Research: Ramon Sarró and Marina Temudo Direction, camera and sound: Roger Canals Editing: Jordi Orobitg Production: University of Oxford and Jordi Orobitg Produccions