Assistant Professor of Hispanic Studies Jack Martinez-Arias recently published an article titled "Medioambiente y transculturación en El abrazo de la serpiente (2015)" ["Environmentalism and Transculturation in Embrace of the Serpent (2015)"] in the peer-reviewed journal Brújula: revista interdisciplinaria de estudios latinoamericanos.
As part of his research into the impacts of modernity on indigenous communities, Martínez-Arias examines the Colombian film Embrace of the Serpent (2015) as a lens to explore transcultural dynamics. Set during the Amazon rubber boom, the film portrays indigenous and foreign cultures interacting in complex ways. Martinez-Arias argues that the film challenges traditional views of cultural dominance by depicting indigenous characters as active agents shaping their cultural identities.
The study analyzes the film's use of symbolism and allegory to explore themes such as environmental destruction, cultural survival, and the pursuit of knowledge. The research contributes to understanding the intricate relationship between indigenous and non-indigenous cultures in Latin America, emphasizing the significance of recognizing indigenous agency and resilience.
