Auspicio (2023) addresses the current electoral ecosystem in three South American countries, namely Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. This piece by Francisco Bouzas basks in subtlety, presenting a form of political commentary that feels personal. Political trouble surrounding the three countries which meet in the “Triple Frontier” form the immediate and pressing context–yet Bouzas presents it in such a way which is intimate and touching. The Triple Frontier is a border area where two rivers converge, the three countries meet and the forces of politics, security and nature clash-perhaps a reflection of the status quo in the aforementioned countries in general. This theme is continued throughout Auspicio (2023) by Bouzas, both visually and sonically giving viewers a clear sense of the current landscape.
Ingeniously setting the sound and scene, Bouzas manages to fit much political content and even critique in such little time without it feeling overbearing or rushed. The usage of grainy film that feels old, elevated a sense of a return to fascism which Brazil once battled. Talk of Jair Bolsonaro’s brand of religious populism is met with the sounds of slot machines in a casino–perhaps hinting at the actual immorality and corruption that surrounds the politics.
What makes Auspicio (2023) particularly poignant is how Bouzas threads the line between presenting chaos and comfort through this personal approach. A scene where a collection of calming birds, namely toucans, are seen accompanied by a soothing mothers voice delivering news of political violence. Bouzas manages to amplify the message whilst lulling us onlookers into a sense of reflection.
Like the toucans, in light of troublesome times and political turmoil, we as the people are often only onlookers. Purposefully caged and surveilled by those in power who should be setting us free, we flee to seek the comforts that surround us. Yet, as Bouzas manages to express so well in Auspicio (2023), the spectacle of politics is often reflected by all that’s around us. (Aradi Ghalizha) (Ed./Trans. Vanis)
Film Details
Auspicio (Auspice)
Francisco Bouzas | 12 Min | 2023 | Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay
Official Selection for Spektrum
Festival Film Dokumenter 2024
Screening Schedule
Nov. 2 | 19:00 WIB | Militaire Societeit, TBY
Nov. 7 | 19:00 WIB | Amphitheater, TBY
