Written and directed by Fernanda Faya, Aunt Neirud was always present at family gatherings. Neirud was big, strong, and worked in the circus. Who was this woman so close to the family and about whom we know so little?
It speaks to the excellent quality of Neirud that once you delve into this story, it leaves you wondering how many other stories of women going against the grain in history have gone quietly unnoticed and forgotten? We are potentially sorely missing out on some fascinating lives but thankfully, at least Neirud gets another moment in the spotlight, thanks to Fernanda Faya. The way that Faya has put together this documentary cleverly mixes a wholesome, family feel with a touch of mystery. It’s a fantastic balance to make it filled with love but also committed to finding the truth.
The mixture of modern footage, home movies and family photos is done really well, it helps to build a charm and to add a sense of urgency almost, to track down Neirud’s story before it fades into obscurity. Being able to bring through her wrestling past is really interesting as women’s wrestling in general is something that’s forever been on the outskirts and only recently made its way into the mainstream. To portray how Neirud was taking a big risk at a time when women were expected to simply be wives and mothers, and certainly not strong and formidable.
There are all sorts of facets to this story, but it would spoil the documentary to delve into them all here. Put simply, it has a wonderful and surprisingly sad story to tell that’s charming and compelling. Faya’s directorial style is sensitive and aware of how close she is to this subject but also brings through the strong feel of how fervently she dug to uncover Neirud’s past, while constantly being told it’s all ancient history. She uncovers a lot to traverse over relationships, prejudice, trauma and life in the circus, it’s a genuinely captivating journey.
Neirud has a strongly compelling atmosphere, it’s highly personal but also curious and defiant. Fernanda Faya pays her Aunt Neirud the ultimate respect in bringing her story into the limelight for others to appreciate. Neirud was an impressive, humble woman with a complex past that holds rather a weighty sadness. It would be an incredible shame to let a story like this be forgotten so it’s lovely to see Faya preserve it.
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