Film screening; Dance of the Kokorrdit – Directors Q&A & Kipara demo

Free and open to all.

Schedule:

• 5pm: Arrival and body painting demonstration
• 6pm: Film screening and Q&A

UK premiere The dance of the Kokorrdit / El viaje del Kokorrdit is a 72-minute Panamanian docufiction film directed by Emberá filmmaker Elio B Cunampio and Argentinian filmmaker Guido Bilbao, notable for being the first film spoken in the Woun Meu language (also called Wounaan, Noanamá, or Waunana), spoken by about 10,000 people living in the rainforests along the border of Panama and Colombia. World premiere at the 14th International Film Festival of Panama (IFF Panama) in April 2026.

The film focuses on a young Wounaan woman returning to the Darién Gap, in search of a sacred bird whose absence is linked to deforestation.

According to Wounaan myth, the kokorrdit (a small bird) taught the first humans how to dance, while the ñeque (a rodent) taught them to make music. Legend states the first man on earth observed the kokorrdit singing and dancing —the ñeque mimicked it with a flute, and copyed their movements. The myth is central to Wounaan identity, establishing dance as a gift from nature that made them ‘one big family’.

Kipara: Getting to know Emberá-Wounaan people through their body painting

Elio B Cunampio, one of the most renowned body-painting artists of the Emberá-Wounaan people, co-director of the film, will explain a little about the history and significance of Jagua painting, as well as its connection to Emberá-Wounaan people - the relationships between the drawings and sacred cultural practices with nature.

Elio will demonstate applying the design to the forearm, and explain how the traditional designs connect humans with the forest. Examples at Elio's Instagram @piriatijagua.

Film supported by the Ministry of Culture of Panama (MiCultura)

A Native Spirit Film Festival event.

Image credit: Elio B Cunampio

Allergy Disclaimer: People with sensitive skin or known fruit or berry allergies should avoid proximity to body painting.

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Filming and Photography: Please note that filming and photography may be taking place at this event. Both bigger crowds, smaller groups and individuals may be captured on camera. All imagery and footage may at some point be published on the College website, social media channels, and in print.