Los Angeles filmmaker Dita Dimoné is working on a documentary about Santería and the common misconceptions that surround the religion. "I know that many people, including members of my family, have gone to Santeros/as for spiritual guidance, and I've seen them ridiculed or belittled," says Dita. "I took an interest because whenever the subject of Santeria comes up people are quick to judge and voice their fears."
Santería (also know as La Religión or The Way of the Saints) is amalgamation of religions, combining Yoruba traditions and religious practices from Southern Nigeria, Senegal and Guinea Coast with those of the Roman Catholic Church. It's roots lie in slavery. When African slaves were brought to the Caribbean to work on sugar plantations they were forcibly baptized by the Catholic Church. To keep their native religion alive under oppression, slaves equated the priests from their native religion to their new Christian Saints.
"The lack of knowledge about the religion has created many misconceptions and negative portrayals in television and film," says Dita. "Melodramatic accounts depict Santeria as paganistic at best and satanic at worst. When African religions are depicted in films, books, and other media outlet, it is usually in some dark place with mysterious goings on - knives, blood, chicken feet, and corpses. In reality, that is far from the truth. The religion is festive, sensual, filled with passion and energy."
The practice of Santería involves spells and rituals, some of which include animal sacrifice, which is the source of much controversy. At the core of this elemental religion, is the creator Oloffi. There is no specific belief in the devil however, since everything is seen as being comprised of both good and bad elements, but the common perception that Santeria is based on black magic persists.
"In many cases, people fear what they don't know or understand. Many people believe that Santeria is all about witchcraft, and using it to hurt others. In reality, it is a spiritual way of life that may work for some and not others, just like any other belief," says Dita. "Learning about this belief has given me a renewed sense of what spirituality means to me. I believe that regardless of your religious conviction, everyone needs to have faith, something to believe in. It's important to connect to one's idea of spirituality; it creates empowerment and, most importantly, hope."
For more information or to contribute to the project contact Dita Dimoné at: dimone.dita@gmail.com
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