Araya

After Elfie died, and Chester and Molly came and had babies, I called Araya to come over to look at them.

When Animals Speak Penelope Smith 2009

I cannot decide whether Araya, which is rich in disseminated muriate of soda, belongs to the sandstone formation of the Imposible, which from its position may be compared to variegated sandstone (red marl).

Travels to the Equinoctial Regions of America 1851

Araya, which is rich in disseminated muriate of soda, belongs to the sandstone formation of the Imposible, which from its position may be compared to variegated sandstone (red marl).

Personal Narrative of Travels to the Equinoctial Regions of America, During the Year 1799-1804 — Volume 3 Alexander von Humboldt 1814

Benacerraf said she originally conceived "Araya" as part of a triptych that would form a larger feature film depicting life in three areas of Venezuela: the Andes mountains, the plains and the coast.

unknown title 2009

It's the visuals that remain the most impressive aspect of "Araya," especially on the Nuart Theatre's big screen.

unknown title 2009

In addition to the look of the film, the most noticeable thing about "Araya" is the lush language of its voice-over, language that led the director to consider the finished product a tone-poem more than a documentary.

unknown title 2009

Shot with a minimal two-person crew (Benacerraf and cinematographer Giuseppi Nisoli), "Araya" is set on a Godforsaken Venezuelan peninsula so remote and barren that the director remembers that "going to Araya was like going to the moon."

unknown title 2009

A peculiar set of historical and geographical circumstances created the world that "Araya" captures.

unknown title 2009

To do this, "Araya" focuses on three family groups among the ant-like hordes that work the salt.

unknown title 2009

"Araya" has been hidden in plain sight for decades, which is especially ironic for a film whose glories are so visual.

unknown title 2009