“This is a smart and beautiful film with a sensitive soul – truly one of the best of its kind.”

Patricia Schultz, Author 1000 Places to See Before You Die (Workman)

 

 

The Land

The film begins by revealing the diversity of this dramatic land and her resilient people. After establishing a sense of place, it pivots to the cultural themes and historic events that define Guatemala.

The Ancient Maya

Noted scholars describe the powerful rise and sudden collapse of ancient Maya civilization, proposing theories that help illuminate our understanding of contemporary migration and environmental stewardship.

Cracking the Maya Code

The quest to decipher the ancient hieroglyphs spanned centuries, fueled Cold War propaganda battles and inflamed bitter academic rivalries while underscoring the depth of Guatemala’s rich cultural patrimony.

Catholicism and Religious Syncretism

The film explores Spanish colonialism through the lens of religion. The journey begins during a passionate Holy Week celebration then enters the baffling world of religious syncretism. This fusion of indigenous pre-Columbian spirituality and Catholic rituals and beliefs exemplifies Mayan cultural resilience.

The Maya Weavers

A massive earthquake, followed by a long and violent civil war, shattered Guatemala and plunged the Maya weaving tradition into darkness. Decades later, the weavers are back but the country is still struggling to emerge from the shadow of these terrible tragedies.

The Artists

It is the artist’s job to stir the pot and challenge the status quo. Contemporary artists share the emotions and thoughts that influence their work, providing insight into Guatemala’s heart and soul.

The Future

The film wraps with the story of Gustavo and his wife, two of the gentlest souls you’ll ever meet.  His simple acts of kindness inspire hope in a complicated land that remains poised on the edge of discovery.

The Land

The film begins by revealing the diversity of this dramatic land and her resilient people. After establishing a sense of place, it pivots to the cultural themes and historic events that define Guatemala.

The Ancient Maya

Noted scholars describe the powerful rise and sudden collapse of ancient Maya civilization, proposing theories that help illuminate our understanding of contemporary migration and environmental stewardship.

Cracking the Maya Code

The quest to decipher the ancient hieroglyphs spanned centuries, fueled Cold War propaganda battles and inflamed bitter academic rivalries while underscoring the depth of Guatemala’s rich cultural patrimony.

Catholicism and Religious Syncretism

The film explores Spanish colonialism through the lens of religion. The journey begins during a Holy Week celebration then plunges into the world of religious syncretism. This baffling fusion of indigenous pre-Columbian spirituality and imported Catholicism exemplifies Mayan cultural resilience.

The Maya Weavers

A massive earthquake, followed by a long and violent civil war, shattered Guatemala and plunged the Maya weaving tradition into darkness. Decades later, the weavers are back but the country is still struggling to emerge from the shadow of these terrible tragedies.

The Artists

It is the job of the artist to stir the pot and challenge the status quo. Contemporary artists share the influences that drive their work, providing insight into Guatemala’s heart and soul.

The Future

The film wraps with the story of Gustavo and his wife, two of the gentlest souls you’ll ever meet.  His simple acts of kindness inspire hope in a complicated land that remains poised on the edge of discovery.

TALK: 805.570.9555

“We have to know our history to really understand how we are living now.”

Irena Carlos, Contemporary Artist