River Exploration in Cinema: Some Examples from South America

Although the history of discoveries relies heavily upon the written word, this article urges that we take a closer look at how the medium of film depicts the process of geographical exploration and discovery. Using South America as an example, it focuses on one geographical feature, that continent’s remarkable river system. From the mid 20th century onward, rivers abounded in films depicting the continent’s exploration and discovery. Where relevant, these films are discussed with regard to their cartographic depiction of rivers. This article notes that films often employ rivers as more than simply geographic features. In fact, most of them make imaginative use of rapids and waterfalls for dramatic purposes, especially symbolically and metaphorically as turning points in explorers’ fortunes and misfortunes.