Florida’s reputation for producing exceptional skaters is undeniable, juxtaposed with its bizarre and often absurd local culture. Amidst this strange landscape emerges Mike Mag, a Brazilian-born skater who sought refuge and inspiration in the heart of South America. His latest video part, “Burden of Dreams,” is not just a collection of skateboarding tricks; it’s a journey of perseverance and creativity, filmed along the Amazon River and deeply influenced by the iconic filmmaker Werner Herzog. The title itself is a nod to Herzog’s film Fitzcarraldo and the documentary about its making, Burden of Dreams.
Mike’s connection to Brazil, the Amazon, and Herzog led to an adventurous skateboarding trip and a compelling video part. Here, we delve into the story behind “Burden of Dreams” with Mike himself.
Mike Mag, a Brazilian-born skater, showcases his unique style amidst the backdrop of his skateboarding journey along the Amazon River.
What motivated you to embark on these solo skate missions in Brazil?
It all began with a heartbreak, as many good stories do [laughs]. After a break-up, I went to Brazil. I channeled all that emotion and energy into filming the “End of the World” part. After returning, I was eager for another trip. Travel restrictions were tight, but as a Brazilian citizen, I could easily go back. I’ve always dreamt of a skate trip up the Amazon, ever since seeing Skateboarder Magazine do it years ago.
Was that the video featuring Kenny Anderson and Jake Johnson?
Exactly. And Josh Stewart filmed it all. That video always stuck in my mind. So, I decided to just go for it. I messaged some contacts in Brazil, and they connected me with Adonis Perfeito in Manaus, a legendary filmer. I bought plane tickets, gathered a crew, and tried to make it happen. I started in Rio, where my cousin, who’s also a skater and VX filmer, lives. He filmed a large part of the video.
Mike Mag navigates the unique and challenging terrains of the Amazon during his skate trip, showcasing his skill and adaptability.
The title and inspiration clearly draw from Werner Herzog, specifically?
Yes. Herzog’s film, Fitzcarraldo, is about a man attempting the impossible in the Amazon. He’s taking a boat down the river, and he has to pull it over a mountain. Herzog actually filmed that in real life. It was an unbelievable feat, showing that you can achieve anything with enough drive.
Did you experience a similar “pulling the boat over a mountain” situation during your trip?
The whole trip felt metaphorical like that, a struggle to achieve the impossible. It was incredibly hot, and the spots were rough. I went in with nothing, aiming to film an entire part. Towards the end, I had a clip drought. I was pushing so hard but couldn’t seem to land the tricks I needed. We were so close to finishing but I couldn’t quite finish “pulling the boat over the mountain”. Finally, in the last hour, I pulled it off.
What was the “boat over the mountain” moment? What was the final trick?
There were a few tricks towards the end of the part, which is in chronological order. The final tricks were filmed in Belem where we were constantly battling the spots and the conditions. We were going on missions and trying lines for hours under the scorching sun and I probably got skin cancer in the process. For days it was like that.
Mike Mag pushes his limits on challenging skate spots, capturing the intensity and determination of his Amazonian skate adventure.
Did you try ayahuasca while you were there?
No, we were skating too intensely to have an ayahuasca experience. We never had any downtime. However, I did have some pretty psychedelic food poisoning episodes down there [laughs].
Did you get a worm?
I have no idea, I couldn’t tell you. In the second city, I got food poisoning almost immediately. I was out for a couple of days and couldn’t stray too far from the bathroom. After that, I had stomachaches for about five days, eating very carefully.
Mike Mag demonstrates his skills with a precise trick, emphasizing the blend of technical skateboarding with the raw and natural environment of the Amazon.
How did your VX1000 cameras hold up?
We brought two VXs. I knew I needed a backup because something was bound to happen. We got caught in flash rainstorms mid-trick, with nowhere to run. We would have to hide them under our shirts. Sweat was another issue. We were constantly dripping onto the cameras, which is not ideal for electronics.
You don’t use the shoelace handle trick?
No, but Adonis from Manus wears a glove which is a smart move.
Mike Mag skillfully maneuvers his skateboard in the Amazon region, with the natural elements as a backdrop, highlighting the raw essence of skateboarding.
So, you did actually take a boat down the Amazon?
Yes, we were on a boat for two days, packed with people sleeping in hammocks. We had a small room because of all our camera equipment. We started in Manaus, where we skated for two weeks and filmed a lot. That’s where Adonis lives. The other cities were more of a mystery to us. From Manaus, we took a boat for two days to Santarem. We were alone and didn’t know anyone, but luckily, we connected with the local skate shop. They showed us around to spots. That’s where I got the food poisoning, so we lost some time there.
Then, we took the boat for another two days to Belem, a city on the east coast where the Amazon opens into the ocean. It’s the gateway to the Amazon. We were there for a bit over a week, skating everything we could, but we were getting beat up and not getting the clips. I was worried we wouldn’t be able to finish the part. For five days straight it was like that. We thought we might need to go back to Rio and fake the rest.
On the final day, the pressure was immense. Cayo [Uchoa], the filmer, and I would wake up, eat breakfast in silence, and just think about it all. Then, things finally clicked, and we managed to finish.
Mike Mag skates through the urban landscape of the Amazon region, blending street skateboarding with the unique environment.
Lastly, can you give us five film recommendations?
Fitzcarraldo – This ambitious film by Werner Herzog, set in the Amazon, inspired my video part. It tells the story of an Irish rubber baron who aims to build an opera house in the Amazon. His journey culminates with him pulling a boat over a mountain, a crazy feat that he achieves both in the film and in real life.
Black Orpheus (Orfeu Negro) – This Greek tragedy, set in Rio during Carnaval, was the inspiration for my last video “End of the World.” This Brazilian film, directed by French filmmaker Marcel Camus, received numerous awards and its soundtrack, featuring legendary Bossa Nova artists, is a must-listen.
City of God – It’s a masterpiece, telling the story of a favela in Rio de Janeiro. The storytelling, cinematography, and editing are all so well done. It’s a must watch, but be warned it’s not for the faint of heart.
The Darjeeling Limited – This delightful Wes Anderson film follows three brothers traveling through India by train. I’d love to do a skate trip by train in India one day. It’s a beautifully shot and charming Wes Anderson film.
Carandiru – This film depicts the true story of Brazil’s largest and most violent prison, culminating in the tragic Carandiru massacre where 111 prisoners were killed by police. The police in Brazil are notoriously corrupt and brutal, this film is not for the faint of heart either.
Interview by: Alex Raspa
Video by: Cayo Uchoa & Adonis Perfieto
Photos by: Matheus Carvalho
