Directed by Otilia Portillo Padua and written by Sheerly Avni, Greg Boustead and Sara Dosa. Deep in Mexico’s forests, two Indigenous mycologists seek to reconcile the past and present while reimagining the future for themselves and the changing world they inhabit. Featuring: Eliseete Ramirez Carbajal, Julieta Serafina Amaya, Julia Dolores Raimundo, Zenaida Perez, Magdalena Martínez and Olivia Ayala.
Within Daughters of the Forest there was more than enough story to create a straight documentary, it’s an interesting topic with great subjects, but Otilia Portillo Padua, Sheerly Avni, Greg Boustead and Sara Dosa decided to do things a little differently. Padua’s directorial style is on the verge of experimental and yet nicely reflects the grounded nature of its subjects. What she creates is almost a hybrid nature documentary, using the mushrooms and the advantages of that beautiful natural setting to move beyond the everyday but not forgetting it. Balancing that artistic, curious style with the experiences and emotions of the mycologists.
It holds an immediately intriguing nature, and the tone manages to bring through the cultural significance and the heritage. It instils their connection to the land, what it means to their families and how this passion and dedication is something that’s been passed down through generations. Within that is a very meaningful tone, which adds yet another layer to the atmosphere of Daughters of the Forest.
Eliseete Ramirez Carbajal and Julieta Serafina Amaya make for wonderful subjects. The filmmakers do a great job of capturing their commitment, intelligence, knowledge and care. There’s a nicely wide perspective, getting to see them in their element but also with their families, and in their tougher, tender moments. Mixing that with the more creative, adventurous styles of Daughters of the Forest works surprisingly well. They’re able to weave all the different styles together smoothly to create something compelling and with great depth.
Daughters of the Forest observes its subjects and their homes with a curious, loving and inventive eye. Otilia Portillo Padua’s style is highly creative and creates a complex, captivating and emotional atmosphere. It has a great sense of colour and takes full advantage of the natural landscapes, it moves well, and it’s an interesting and intriguing topic. It’s also lovely how they capture the generational elements, and the deep connection that they have to nature. Making for moving and engaging viewing.
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