“Gaucho, gaucho” was shown at Sundance in the US Documentary Section, which depicts Salta's gaucho in black-and-white cinematography, to applause from American directors Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw.
There was only Santos “Tati” Gonza, accompanied by his daughter Guadalupe, both from Chicuana. Tati is the gaucho protagonist in the documentary that shocked audiences in the United States. Gonza is a skilled field man currently working at Ente Frigorífico Chicoana, where he currently plays the role of slaughterhouse manager.
The documentary “Gaucho, gaucho,” about an hour and a half long, delves into the lives of gauchos from Salta, especially in the Guachipas, San Carlos and Chicuana regions. Throughout the film, the daily routine of these men and women from rural Salta is depicted, revealing their experiences at three different stages of their lives.
“This experience for me was something unique, it leaves me with a legacy that is sometimes overlooked today, due to the lack of communication and recognition of our roots. As the hero of this documentary, I feel very proud to be part of this project,” said Gonza, clearly touched by the importance of this filming. : “It highlights the life of the gaucho and the continuity of our traditions inherited from our grandfathers and fathers.”
The documentary focuses on transmitting messages between generations through dialogue, highlighting the importance of values rooted in gaucho culture. Santos Gonza finds in the film an opportunity to highlight the importance of these values that are transmitted from generation to generation.
During the conversation with TribuneThe well-known “Tati,” who defined himself as a distinguished trainer of spirited horses, commented on his participation in the documentary: “No one knew about my trip to the United States. It was at the end of last December.” “I wanted it to be a surprise for my people. “When I agreed to participate in this project, I was simply concerned about my happiness and the happiness of my family. This well-made documentary tells the story of the gaucho lifestyle here in northern Argentina.”
Tati and her daughter Gwada Gonza felt intense emotions at the documentary's premiere. “I had not even dreamed of that moment. At the press conference we shared the pride of representing the gauchos who participated in the project and receiving recognition from the public and critics in the United States.”
Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw, known for their previous Sundance works such as “The Last Hunt” and “The Truffle Hunters,” highlight the ongoing quest to reveal incredible humanity in every project. It highlights global similarities that transcend cultural differences and connect humanity.
The documentary, which depicts the lives of a community of gauchos from Salta who preserve traditions and connection with nature, received its first prize at the festival, the Special Jury Prize for Sound. Featuring a black-and-white visual and sound style, “Gaucho, Gaucho” captures the essence of ancestral culture that challenges the progress of modernity. Dressed in artisanal clothing, these royal gauchos maintain their sacred connection to horses and regard their work as an offering to nature, anticipating rewards for future generations as a birthright.
Gonza expects that they plan to bring the film to Salta during 2024, and hopes that the screening will take place in Mar del Plata, and from there spread this authentic representation of gaucho culture throughout the country.
Who is Tati Gonza?
“I left high school one year after it finished to devote myself entirely to riding when I was 15. I rode in almost all the provinces, winning important trophies that I keep in my spiritual gallery alongside the wealth of friends in the country,” he says. . “I competed one year in Diamante, seven in Jesús María, competing in all three categories and excelling in claines, rumpus and pastos, in addition to being a rider for the country,” highlights the gaucho from Chicuana. He currently works at Ente Frigorífico Chicoana.
