Isael Maxakali Wins Pipa Online Prize, Highlighting Indigenous Art and Environmental Advocacy
In August 2023, Isael Maxakali was awarded the Pipa Online prize, garnering 4,191 votes from the public and a cash prize of R$15,000. Born in 1978 in Santa Helena de Minas, he perceives this honor as a victory for the Maxakali community, with the goal of showcasing their culture and fighting against discrimination. With a background of 15 years in filmmaking, drawing, and animation, he tackles subjects such as land rights and environmental issues. Maxakali began his journey in audiovisual arts in 1999 under the guidance of UFMG professor Rosangela de Tugny. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree at UFMG and has been a councilor in Ladainha since 2016, focusing on local issues. His latest work includes the film Yãmiyhex, as Mulheres-espírito.
Key facts
- Isael Maxakali won the Pipa Online prize in August with 4,191 votes.
- He received R$15,000 and will donate a work to Instituto PIPA.
- Maxakali’s art focuses on Maxakali identity, land rights, and environmental issues.
- He began filmmaking around 1999, learning with help from UFMG professor Rosangela de Tugny.
- His works include films like Xokxop Pet (2009) and Yãmiyhex, as Mulheres-espírito (2024).
- Denilson Baniwa, winner in 2019, commended Maxakali’s cultural translation.
- Indigenous artists have won Pipa Online in three of the last five editions.
- Maxakali is a councilor in Ladainha and is building Aldeia Nova.
Entities
Artists
- Isael Maxakali
- Denilson Baniwa
- Jaider Esbell
- Arissana Pataxó
- Sueli Maxakali
- Charles Bicalho
- Rosangela de Tugny
- Roney Freitas
Institutions
- Instituto PIPA
- UFMG
- Doclisboa
- Bienal Sesc_Videobrasil
Locations
- Santa Helena de Minas
- Minas Gerais
- Brazil
- Ladainha
- Belo Horizonte
- Aldeia Verde
- Aldeia Nova