Strand Releasing Brings Lucrecia Martel’s Acclaimed Documentary ‘Our Land’ to U.S. Audiences on May 1
Lucrecia Martel’s Documentary Our Land Set to Premiere in U.S. Theaters
Lucrecia Martel’s critically acclaimed documentary Our Land (Nuestra Tierra) will arrive in U.S. theaters on May 1, as announced by Strand Releasing. The film will debut at Film Forum in New York City, marking the beginning of a limited national rollout.
Premiering under the English title Landmarks at the Venice Film Festival last year, Our Land has garnered significant accolades, including the top award at the BFI London Film Festival and recognition in international competition at Locarno. Additionally, it received a special award from the National Society of Film Critics.
The documentary tells the poignant story of Javier Chocobar, a member of the indigenous Chuchagasta community in Tucumán Province, Argentina. In 2009, Chocobar attempted to protect his community from forced eviction by a local landowner and two former police officers. Tragically, he was shot and killed, while other community members were injured.
Martel’s insightful film examines this tragedy through the lens of the murder trial involving Chocobar’s death, the experiences of the Chuchagasta people, and the longstanding legacy of colonial land theft throughout Latin America. “With a visually captivating approach that highlights the beauty of the contested land, Martel pays tribute to those who have been systematically erased from history,” the film’s release notes.
In conjunction with Our Land, Strand Releasing also announced a re-release of Martel’s 2008 film The Headless Woman, which has undergone a 4K restoration overseen by Martel and cinematographer Bárbara Álvarez. This film has been recognized as one of the best of the 21st century by the BBC.
Marcus Hu of Strand Releasing expressed enthusiasm for the restoration, stating, “We’re thrilled that Martel’s The Headless Woman has been lovingly restored, providing a definitive version of the film for theatrical release globally."
Having previously handled the original 2008 release of The Headless Woman following its Cannes premiere, Strand Releasing was also responsible for distributing Martel’s film Zama in 2017.
Our Land was produced by Rei Pictures, Louverture Films, and Piano, in collaboration with Pio & Co., Lemming Film, and Snowglobe. Following its debut at Venice, Martel presented the film at the Camden International Film Festival in Maine, where she discussed the documentary’s themes. She emphasized the ongoing struggles of Indigenous communities in South America, stating, “It’s vital for us to understand their plight, as well as our own position in this narrative.”
