SOMMOS AMAZÔNIA: A new digital indigenous experience
A new age of nurturing and showcasing Brazil’s natural beauty is here, with the launch of a new digital platform dedicated to promoting the culture of the Amazon. Initially published in Portuguese, English and Spanish, SOMMOS AMAZÔNIA is hoping to meet a growing demand for knowledge about the region, across music, films, books, podcasts, visual arts, food and news, as well as a marketplace featuring a range of regional products.
Amazonia online
The SOMMOS platform is the first of its kind to digitally distribute Amazonian cultural content on a global scale. It includes over 300 films, 40,000 music tracks, 3,000 books, 1,000 artworks, and a curated glossary of Amazonian culinary ingredients. The collection is a result of deep research and curatorial work, and a dynamic licencing process for content produced by a wide network of local, national and international partners, including independent artists and producers and cultural and socio-economic institutions among other partners.
The Embassy of Ireland in Brazil partnered with SOMMOS to support the translation and subtitling of more than 2,500 minutes of audiovisual indigenous content into English and Spanish, reinforcing Ireland's role in amplifying Amazonian voices on a global scale.
“We are delighted to consolidate this international cooperation with Ireland in the year in which we celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries,”
This online platform is significant in making historical and indigenous cultural content accessibile and available in a contemporary way. Vanda Witoto, a prominent indigenous leader, spoke at the launch and highlighted the significance of indigenous-led cultural platforms in climate justice. Her presence was especially meaningful given her personal and symbolic connection to Roger Casement's historic reporting on atrocities in the Putumayo, a legacy Ireland proudly honours through continued advocacy.
Ireland’s impact
To launch this new online endeavour, the Embassy of Ireland hosted the launch of the SOMMOS AMAZÔNIA platform in Brasilia. With a wide range of attendees, this event outlined the important relationship Ireland holds with Brazil.
“Since last year, Ireland has been a proud partner of the Culture and Environment Institute in supporting the Sommos Amazonia platform. Our event marks the launch of this unique platform to the international community in Brasilia. The SOMMOS AMAZÔNIA platform brings together an incredible range of cultural content related to the Amazon and its people, highlighting the impressive richness, diversity and beauty of the region. Ireland is delighted to support this initiative and looks forward to continuing to promote the cultural offerings of the Amazon.” Fiona Flood, Ambassador of Ireland to Brazil
For over 50 years of the Irish and Brazilian bonds have grown from strength to strength. Our connections, extending beyond the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975 back to the 16th century, are exemplified through the lasting links of our contemporary relationship. Ireland's recent €15 million contribution to the Amazon Fund highlights our long-term commitment to protecting the region and its communities.