SIGHTS
Given that my research is so firmly rooted on the audio-visual aspect of ritual-celebrations, I utilize filmmaking as a critical component and sensorial mode of field research, data-gathering and archival practice.
una noche con el Gaga de San Luis
The night before the Gagá of San Luis goes out in its anual procession, culminates in an extravagant celebration of music and dance, where people lose their sense of self. This short is part of a broader examination of Gagá celebrations throughout the Dominican Republic.
Director/DP: Rafael C. Gómez
Filmed: April 2019.
Edited: September 2021
Assistant: Edwardo Mejia
BANICA PROCESSION
During the celebrations to San Francisco, the local church in Banica (Elias Piña) conducts several daily processions while carrying a statue of the Saint and singing "Salves" (a call-and-response type of spiritual singing). The procession takes place around the town's Square and draws hundreds of community members.
Director/DP: Rafael C. Gómez
Filmed: October 2019
Edited: September 2021
The Road to SaN Francisco
Every October, thousands of religious pilgrims come to a corner of the Dominico-Haitian border to celebrate Saint Francis of Assis. Yet, before reaching the shrine, the pilgrims must climb roughly a half-mile of arduous and challenging terrain to complete the pilgrimage. Besides the rocky path, one never knows what or who is to be encountered along the way.
Director/DP: Rafael Gómez
Filmed: October 2019
Edited: September 2021
Altar de velas a San Francisco
Before climbing El Cerro de San Francisco (The Hill of Saint Francis), pilgrims must make several stops to leave offerings along the way. This is their first stop.
Director/DP: Rafael Gómez
Filmed: October 2018
Edited: September 2021
SOUNDS
In the spirit of Alan Lomax, I have been gathering field recordings at different research sites to create an easily accessible archive for the involved communities and interested researchers to access.