Água Boa II, Rio Pardo de Minas - Minas Gerais, Brazil 2018
Mr. Lindemberg sits under a tree in his backyard reading an old Bible, a gift from his late mother. He walked us around the area, told us his story and showed us, with sorrow, the drought that affects the São Francisco River. The state of the river brought him tears, but also fond memories and poetry. Mr. Lindemberg recited some of his poems, not written anywhere, kept only in his own memories. I had the pleasure of filming some of them.
Unfortunately, Mr. Lindemberg passed away in 2019 doing what he did everyday: working the fields. On the same year, this picture featured the cover of an institutional Oswaldo Cruz Foundation’s notebook. I can’t really measure the loss that his death represents for the culture of the São Francisco River area. But I share the words of Zilah de Mattos, an admirable woman who dedicates her life to the struggle for justice, and a close friend to Mr. Lindemberg.
FAREWELL MY TEACHER, FRIEND AND ADVISER.
“Lindemberg Passos, 89 years old, a ribeirinho farmer, from the São Francisco River. A week has passed since his resurrection and he’s still deeply missed. He left a great legacy for all small farmers. Whoever had the privilege of his company understands his greatness. He was a dedicated guardian of Mother Earth and Sister Nature, as he called them. In the fields, he cultivated for him and the wild animals. Living in anonymity, he was a great sage, a poet, a repentista, a prophet. Mr. Lindemberg wrote and recited, with his heart and soul, the passion, the love, the respect and the care he had in defense of Sister Nature’s life. When he would fetch water from Velho Chico, I often saw him cry, lament and ask God for justice, so that He would free our Father Chicão from the greed of men. With affection, a bright and deep look of happiness, he would always welcome us on the road from his home. I keep in mind that last countenance of my visit and good prospects and teachings." (August 25th, 2019) "
(August 25th, 2019)
FAREWELL MY TEACHER, FRIEND AND ADVISER.
“Lindemberg Passos, 89 years old, a ribeirinho farmer, from the São Francisco River. A week has passed since his resurrection and he’s still deeply missed. He left a great legacy for all small farmers. Whoever had the privilege of his company understands his greatness. He was a dedicated guardian of Mother Earth and Sister Nature, as he called them. In the fields, he cultivated for him and the wild animals. Living in anonymity, he was a great sage, a poet, a repentista, a prophet. Mr. Lindemberg wrote and recited, with his heart and soul, the passion, the love, the respect and the care he had in defense of Sister Nature’s life. When he would fetch water from Velho Chico, I often saw him cry, lament and ask God for justice, so that He would free our Father Chicão from the greed of men. With affection, a bright and deep look of happiness, he would always welcome us on the road from his home. I keep in mind that last countenance of my visit and good prospects and teachings." (August 25th, 2019) "
(August 25th, 2019)
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