Ecuador's mainstream culture is defined by Ecuador's mestizo majority and, like their ancestry, is a mixture of European and Amerindian influences infused with African elements inherited from slave ancestors. Ecuador's indigenous communities are largely integrated into that mainstream culture to varying degrees, but some may also practise their own autochthonous cultures, particularly the more remote indigenous communities of the Amazon basin.
Sport
Sport, as in most South American countries, is dominated by football, and Ecuador has twice qualified for the World Cup: 2002 and 2006. Futsal is particularly popular for mass participation. There is considerable interest in Tennis, especially since the rise of Nicolas Lapentti to the higher echelons of the world rankings, but participation is beyond the financial scope of most Ecuadorians. Ecuavoli, a 3 person variation of Volleyball, and basketball also have a high profile. Bullfighting is another specialty in Ecuador.
Food
The food in Ecuador is very diverse, varying with altitude as do the agricultural conditions. Cuy (roasted guinea pig) is popular in the mountain regions. There is a great variety of fresh fruit available, particularly at lower altitudes. Seafood is popular at the coast, particularly corvina and prawns. Shrimp is very popular and is very fresh in Ecuador.
Film
Ratas, Ratones, Rateros (1999) written and directed by Ecuadorian Sebastián Cordero is an Ecuadorian film about an 18 year quiteño whose cousin, a thief from the more violent coastal city of Guayaquil, embroils all those around him. The film excels in portraying the modern social contrasts of Ecuador.
The Waorani tribe (located in Ecuador) will be heavily portrayed in the 2006 theatrical release of "The End of the Spear," the story about five missionaries speared to death, as told through the eyes of a Waorani tribesman.
The film Proof of Life (2000), starring Meg Ryan and Russell Crowe, was filmed in Ecuador. The film, nontheless, takes place in a fictitious South American country named 'Tecala'. The guerrilla movement depicted in the film is reminiscent of Peru's Shining Path or Colombia's FARC.
The 2005 film Crónicas, written and directed by Ecuadorian Sebastián Cordero starring John Leguizamo in his Spanish-language debut, is set and filmed entirely in Ecuador.
The 1980s film Vibes57, starring Cyndi Lauper and Jeff Goldblum, was also shot in Ecuador. The Andean cities served as a backdrop for the film.587698789+89
In addition to film, the science fiction novel by Rod Glenn, The King of America, features locations in Ecuador. link
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article Ecuador
