Experiencing Interruptions?

Casa Congo Documentary, Episode 3 - Las Tejedoras

The future of El Astillero is uncertain. Many families are homeless and plastic pollution threatens the life of sea turtles and local tourism opportunities.
After a period of internal conflict, the local community have placed their faith in a group of 17 women, Las Tejedoras, who remove plastic bags from the environment and upcycle them into incredible artworks through an artisanal weaving process.
Thanks to the alliance with the NGO Casa Congo, Las Tejedoras have ascended from “garbage vultures” to international entrepreneurs and environmental stewards.
An arduous task now lies ahead of Las Tejedoras who need to balance their family duties with their artistry in order to keep generating income for the local community and protecting the ocean.
Una bolsa menos, una tortuga más!

  • Tabata Piccinelli
    Director
  • Tabata Piccinelli
    Writer
  • Nicholas Kaspareck
    Writer
  • Giulio Carlo Mesiano
    Producer
  • Nicholas Kaspareck
    Producer
  • Adela Santos Canales Chavez
    Key Cast
    "Tejedora"
  • Claudia Deyanira Ortiz Velázquez
    Key Cast
    "Tejedora"
  • Gloria De La Cruz Velázque Sevilla
    Key Cast
    "Tejedora"
  • Senelia Del Socorro Vargas Sevilla
    Key Cast
    "Tejedora"
  • Suyen Margarita Chavez Cortes
    Key Cast
    "Tejedora"
  • Gloria De Los Angeles Velázquez
    Key Cast
    "Tejedora"
  • Alba Arelys Hernandez Martinez
    Key Cast
    "Tejedora"
  • Fabiola De Los Angeles Velázquez
    Key Cast
    "Tejedora"
  • Yadira Del Socorro Canales
    Key Cast
    "Tejedora"
  • Maria Isabel Villagra Espinoza
    Key Cast
    "Tejedora"
  • Caris De Los Angeles Traña
    Key Cast
    "Tejedora"
  • Yerling Del Carmen Traña Cano
    Key Cast
    "Tejedora"
  • Sandra Maria Berroterran
    Key Cast
    "Tejedora"
  • Yamileth Del Socorro Obando Berroteran
    Key Cast
    "Tejedora"
  • Anica Francisca Yesca Cruz
    Key Cast
    "Tejedora"
  • Reyna Isabel Canales Chavez
    Key Cast
    "Tejedora"
  • Nelsy Anielka Aguirre Cerda
    Key Cast
    "Tejedora"
  • Carmen Malo Sanz
    Key Cast
    "Carmen Malo"
  • Nicholas Kaspareck
    Key Cast
    "Nicholas Kaspareck"
  • Rudy Catarinelli
    Graphic Arts
    Graphic Artist
  • Andrea Flisi
    Color Correction
    Colorist
  • Alessandro Gaffuri
    Sound
    Sound Mix
  • Matthew Dexter
    Music
    Composer, Music Producer
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Casa Congo Documentary, Episode 3 - Las Tejedoras
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    21 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    October 5, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Italy
  • Country of Filming:
    Nicaragua, United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English, Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Tabata Piccinelli

Tabata Piccinelli is an Italian documentary filmmaker with a profound passion for capturing the intricate beauty of the natural world. Hailing from a background in the Art and History of Cinema, she worked as a series editor for television channels such as FOXTEL, CBS, as well as developing art projects, exhibitions and commissions for theatre shows.
Her debut documentary film is an exploration of the emancipation of a group of women in Nicaragua, showcasing her ability to craft powerful narratives that shed light on the complexities of social and environmental issues.
Through her lens, Tabata invites audiences to witness the extraordinary stories of ecosystems, communities and individuals, who are striving to protect and preserve our planet.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Casa Congo Documentary is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the power of community. The movie follows a remarkable group of women in Nicaragua, who have transformed their lives and their environment through the art of weaving. In a country where women often face significant challenges, Las Tejedoras have found a unique way to empower themselves. By collecting and upcycling plastic bags, not only do they contribute to a cleaner and healthier world but also create stunning, artisanal artworks. Their weaving process is a testament to their skill, dedication, and unwavering spirit.
Through the lens of this documentary, I aim to highlight the importance of environmental stewardship, the transformative power of art, and the indomitable human spirit.
Las Tejedoras is a story of hope, inspiration, and the incredible potential of individuals to make a positive impact on their communities and the planet.