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Logline

Intrusive powers threaten a family’s traditional Mayan sustainable agriculture practices- but more is at risk besides just the land. Told in blended 2d animation and documentary, the destruction of the sacred maize is also the destruction of the spirit of the Mayan people.

Synopsis

The story weaves between the Consigua family’s Mayan agricultural life and the sacred creation story of the Popol Vuj. The Popol Vuj calls itself not just a text, but a ‘instrument of seeing’. It is the allegory of the connection between humans and the cycles of nature.

Conflict builds as we learn of the disappearance of a family member and the potential cartel involvement, as well as the pollution of the seeds in this year’s crops, and the protests around the elections. Kan, the youngest daughter, sees the future of what is coming: a polluted lake, and growing economic and health tensions in the community.

Creatively, the film is an immersive Guatemalan art and music experience. We open with a mural-realistic animation of the Popol Vuj, narrated by the elected leader of the Indigenous government, Inés. She begins telling the story as, and we cut between parts of the Popol Vuj and live action throughout the film, interleaving the metaphor into the documentary.

The eldest daughter Kan looks for work, but there is barely any in the village. And their own fields are increasingly more polluted. The ‘black waters’ caused by pollution from the lake and the illegal mining in their community devastated their fields. They hold ceremonies praying for the rains, and block the roads for government attention to prevent illegal land dispossessions.

With great love, this documentary explores the realities of Mayan life – the warmth of the community alight in the fireworks, and the hardship of environmental destruction.

Kan lights a candle at the altar with her father. Her mother who has been part of the film has just passed away, and Kan prepares to leave the village. She plans to become a doctor. She boards the truck and heads into the mist.
 

Meet the Filmmakers

Verónica Wood – Director/Co-Producer
Verónica Wood holds a vision for this world where we can protect, celebrate, and revitalize our unique cultures. Fusing art, documentary, and anthropology, her work is known for cherishing the nuances of human experiences. She has worked in advertising to create large-scale campaigns which set her apart creatively, and led to winning a Webby (best of the internet) award. She fuses her commercial success with her passion for documentary filmmaking and nonprofit work. Her most recent documentary received accolations at nine film festivals including DocNYC. Her past work has been included in such festivals as SXSW and Santa Barbara International Film Fest. Besides her work in film, she serves as COO of the nonprofit IndigenousNetwork, the longest running independent indigenous media service in California. For her efforts and dedication, she was honored with the California State Ethnic Media Service Award in 2023.

Eduardo Tzaloj – Co-Producer
Eduardo is Kaquikel Mayan and is also one of the core members of Awän Agricultura. He hopes for this film to inspire the community. He hopes to reach others outside their community to create more global visibility as well, and for people to understand more about contemporary Mayan culture. THey have survived genocide, famines, and today struggle with land disposession, health concerns, and growing climate concerns. He started Awän to help preserve their seeds. He hopes this film is a way to say ‘Kawinaq’ – we are still here.

Eduardo Rosal – Cinematographer
Eduardo is an acclaimed Guatemalan cinematographer and has worked with many of the country’s top brands. He and his company, Rosal, have produced hundreds of commercials and are looked to for creating stunning brand campaigns. Besides his work on this film, he has also filmed content in the United States for Indigenous Hualapai tribal council.

Joshua Mateos – Editor
Josh is a Mexican editor known for several popular series. He has worked on the TV series House of Flowers, Dark Desires, and Five Juanas. He is thrilled to be a part of a contemporary film retelling of the eminent Mayan text, the Popol Vuj.

Pablo Delgado – Composer
Pablo is a Mexican composer specializing in Mayan instrumentation and structure. His credits also include many hit Mexican films such as Vix Originals, The Taste of Christmas, Atrapadas en Familia, and ¿Quieres ser mi… hijo?.

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Contact

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