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Logline

Maro, a resilient young Mayan woman, navigates the stunning landscapes of Lake Atitlán, confronting the urgent reality of its decline and the threats it poses to her community’s future.

Synopsis

For generations, Lake Atitlán has been the heart of Guatemala’s highlands, a sacred place where life and tradition converge. But its crystal-clear waters, once a source of nourishment and spirituality, now bear the scars of unchecked pollution and over-tourism. Through the eyes of Maro, a young Mayan woman deeply rooted in this landscape, we follow a story of connection, resistance, and hope.

Maro’s life revolves around the lake, much like her ancestors before her. Yet, as she watches party boats disrupt the serenity and untreated sewage flow into the once-pristine waters, she finds herself at the crossroads of two worlds—one bound by tradition and the other hurtling toward modernity. Seeking to understand the forces threatening her community, Maro embarks on a journey across Atitlán’s villages.

Along the way, she encounters the fishermen, families, and elders whose lives are inseparable from the lake’s fate, as well as the tourists and scientists whose roles in the lake’s story are more complex than they first appear. Juxtaposing ancient Mayan ceremonies with the revelry of outsiders, the film paints a vivid picture of a fragile ecosystem teetering on the edge.

Amid the beauty of volcanic peaks and shimmering waters, Atitlán: Echoes of the Lake delves into the debate between indigenous practices and modern scientific interventions. It is a clash of values, one that forces Maro—and us—to grapple with the question: how do we save what we love without losing what makes it sacred?

This is not just a story of a lake in peril; it is a story of a people’s resilience. And in Maro’s journey, we find echoes of our own, searching for a way to honor the past while protecting the future.
 

Meet the Filmmakers

Jasper Soloff — Director
Jasper Soloff is a New York City and Los Angeles-based artist known for his vibrant and impactful visual storytelling. He has directed global campaigns for iconic brands such as Smashbox Cosmetics, Maybelline, Amazon Fashion, Fenty Beauty, Forever 21, and Dropbox. In addition to his commercial work, Jasper has created acclaimed music videos for artists like Dove Cameron, Billy Porter, Tate McRae, and Tinashe, earning recognition on lists like Billboard’s 20 Best Music Videos of 2020 (So Far) and Pitchfork’s 8 Best Music Videos of July 2020. His work consistently reflects his dedication to bringing marginalized voices into the mainstream with authenticity and empathy.

Jasper began his creative journey studying photography at Sarah Lawrence College, where he developed a foundation in black-and-white and color photography under the guidance of professors Michael Spano and Katie Murray. He further honed his skills at Central Saint Martins in London, studying with Alex Schady. These formative experiences cemented his passion for visual storytelling, which has since expanded into directing and filmmaking.

Jasper’s connection to Atitlán: Echoes of the Lake stems from his longstanding friendships with members of the indigenous Guatemalan community. Over the years, these relationships have fostered a deep understanding of and respect for the stories of Lake Atitlán and the people who call it home. His vision for the film is to amplify the voice of Maro, a young indigenous woman navigating the complex intersection of tradition, modernity, and environmental preservation.

As Jasper’s first foray into documentary filmmaking, Atitlán: Echoes of the Lake represents both a personal and professional milestone. Drawing on his extensive narrative and visual experience, he aims to craft a poignant, visually stunning film that not only highlights the beauty of Lake Atitlán but also inspires viewers to engage with critical environmental and cultural issues. His confidence in this project lies in his ability to blend aesthetic excellence with an unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling, making Atitlán: Echoes of the Lake a truly compelling work.

Alberto Mojico — Cinematographer
Alberto Mojica is an NYC commercial cinematographer with over 17 years of experience photographing documentaries, as well as fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands across the world. Alberto was born and raised in central Mexico, and at age 18 he moved to NYC to study film production in Brooklyn College. To date he has photographed campaigns worldwide for Dolce & Gabbana, Maybelline, Google, Samsung, Vice, American Express, Coach, Marriott, Balmain, Rainforest Alliance, Goldman Sachs, Boss, Levi’s & Zena, among others.

Sarah Sutton — Producer
Sarah Sutton is a producer and visual storyteller with a strong foundation in sociology and documentary filmmaking. Her passion for exploring non-fiction narratives began during her studies at Williams College, where she focused on the intersection of sociology and visual storytelling. Under the mentorship of documentary photographer Barry Goldstein, Sarah developed a keen eye for capturing moments of authenticity and human connection. Her work at Williams extended beyond the classroom, and her photos were published in The New York Times, The Times Union, WBUR, WAMC, Broadway News World, and The Berkshire Eagle.

Since graduating, Sarah has immersed herself in the creative and cultural landscapes of Latinx communities, where she has lived and worked. These experiences have shaped her perspective on the complexities of identity, community, and storytelling. She has produced commercial campaigns, music videos, and video portraits, blending her artistic sensibilities with her sociological insights to create work that resonates deeply with audiences.

Sarah’s connection to Atitlán: Echoes of the Lake is both professional and personal. The themes of the documentary—environmental preservation, cultural identity, and the impact of modernity on indigenous traditions—align closely with her academic background in sociology and her lifelong interest in exploring stories of resilience and transformation. For Sarah, this project represents a unique opportunity to merge her love for visual storytelling with her commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices.

As her first documentary short, Atitlán: Echoes of the Lake allows Sarah to channel her skills and experiences into a project that resonates with her on a deeply personal level. Her vision as a producer is to bring together an empathetic approach and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that the film not only captures the essence of its subject but also inspires meaningful engagement from its audience.

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Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.