GuyanaYours to discover - Review by A. Dukhia

 
Guyana….Yours to discover.
A review by Andre Dukhia
Product Development Officer, Guyana Yours to Discover.
Guyana…Yours to discover. The 2007 edition of this highly sought documentary will be presented to the media on the 13th of April 2007 at Camp Ayangana.  This 60 minutes documentary film by the promising local producer Major Mike Charles has been a much reviewed piece of work here in Guyana and overseas, gaining much popularity and positive criticism over the past 8 months. The film covers remote, undiscovered expanses of pristine forest, and local cultures positioned in some of the most difficult to reach areas of Guyana.  
The film raises as many questions as it provides answers. What is the central thematic? Is it the pristine beautiful and mysterious mountains and rainforest covers or is it the Wai-Wai’s primitive, unique and courageous way of life? Alternatively is the central thematic that abstract quest, the compulsive curiosity and exercise of Will  that over the years has inspired Mike Charles to capture daring footage, as is apparent in the film’s screening? In Guyana…Yours to Discover, where focus, perspective, lens and lines of sight feature so prominently, the viewers are allowed their own perspective as to the central thematic.      
The film is a sustained contest between Nature and the genius of Man. The Kaieteur Falls lures, taunts, excites, yet possesses that terrible power to obliterate any object that finds itself in its downdraft, but this did not deter Mike Charles. Infusing and surrounding that awesome, destructive power is an almost mystical beauty, a beauty that stretches far over the seemingly endless canopy of the rainforest. The turbulence and escapade of flying in the Pakaraimas, Ayangana, and Mount Roraima, the beauty is sometimes concealed or protected in mist and fog, sometimes punctuated by violent storms.
Confronting this challenge is the equally formidable genius of Man - that restless, compulsive spirit that drives initiative and pre-historic cunning, skills and creativity, the skill and ingenuity of the Wai-Wai’s to gather food. Leading the charge is a line-scarred, Guyanese military Pilot determined to capture and design the perfect documentary for the special circumstances of enlightening his fellow country men and potential visitors to this wonderful land. The film keeps viewers very close to the dreams, moods, passions, fears and reminiscences of this gentleman.
Guyana…..Yours to Discover is certain to create waves in the film and travelling worlds as the film itself goes on a journey to over six countries. This film about Guyana, apart from stimulating interest in many countries and especially with Guyanese is almost certain to inspire travels to some of the hidden jewels of this fabled city of El Dorado.