Lantéc Chaná is a compelling documentary that tells the story of Blas Wilfredo Omar Jaime, a 71-year-old retiree from Entre Ríos Province, Argentina. Remarkably, Jaime is recognized as the last living speaker of Chaná, an indigenous language believed to have been extinct since 1815.
The film closely follows the extraordinary partnership between Jaime and Pedro Viegas Barros, a renowned linguist specializing in indigenous South American languages. Through their collaboration, Viegas Barros meticulously documented and analyzed Jaime’s knowledge of Chaná. As a result, his research led UNESCO to formally recognize Chaná as a living, though “extremely endangered,” language. Jaime’s role as the sole native speaker is now acknowledged worldwide.
Directed by Marina Zeising, the documentary explores the cultural significance of reviving the Chaná language. It delves into themes such as indigenous identity, cultural preservation, and the crucial role of individual memory in safeguarding collective heritage. Throughout the film, viewers witness Jaime and Viegas Barros working tirelessly to document the language and its associated cultural practices. Their efforts aim to create a lasting record, ensuring that the Chaná legacy is not lost forever.
