Category: Indigenous Peoples
13 Bak’tun New Maya Perspectives
The Maya word bak’tun signifies a calendric sycle of 400 years of 360 days, and the ancient instriptions indicate that once the 13th bak’tun is reached, the Long Count cycle starts over. These DVDs document the symposium “13 Bak’tun: New Maya Perspectives in 2012,” held October 25 and 26, 2012 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The symposium placed the calendric reckoning of 2012 within a larger historical and cultural context, including the voices of Maya people.
Recordings of three seperate presentations are available: Part 1: New Maya Perspectives with Victor Montejo; Part 2: Indigenous Land Rights in Belize with Cristina Coc; and Part 3: Curator talk on ancient and living Maya through the photographic lens with George Stuart. Please indicate if you'd like to see all three parts or only one when requesting the film.
AJAYU
Death in the Aymara culture is an experience in which the mourners, the community, the souls participate together. Age-old rituals, mixed with Catholic symbols assimilated by the people, frame the story of Andres and his young daughter Leonora. Upon drowning in Lake Titikaka, they must find their way to Korimarca (the Aymara Heaven) with help from the members of the community to which they belonged.
Bolivia, Culture/Festivals/Food, Indigenous Peoples, Social Life and CustomsALPACAS: AN ANDEAN GAMBLE
A documentary about the efforts to bring alpacas, indigenous animals of the Andes who were sacred in Inca culture, to a community in Northern Peru. Populations of alpacas were devastated during the Spanish conquest. The film depicts this cooperative project, which was initiated in the small Andean community and sponsored by the Interamerican Foundation.
Anthropology/Archaeology, Culture/Festivals/Food, Indigenous Peoples, PeruAmericas: Part 4
"Mirrors of the Heart" This program explores shifting ethnic and racial definitions in the region, looking at Bolivia, a nation with a rich Indian tradition, and Hispaniola, an island divided between two nations --Haiti and the Dominican Republic-- with different cultural heritages and attitudes toward their African roots.
Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Indigenous Peoples, Latin America, Social IssuesApproach of Dawn
An informative and sensitive documentary that tells the story of Mayan women activists and their courageous fight for indigenous rights in Guatemala. Featuring several outstanding women that are playing an important role in this struggle, including 1992 Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchú.
Anthropology/Archaeology, Guatemala, Indigenous Peoples, Women's StudiesBlossoms of Fire
This documentary introduces us to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Mexico, home to an indigenous Zapotec society where gender and sexual preference are a fluid concept. The women dominate the home and businesses, while the men do much of the heavy hauling and seem happy to let women rule. The matriarchy also fosters the area's progressive politics, which include standing up to the PRI and warding off the global market.
Gender/Sexuality, Indigenous Peoples, Mexico, Women's StudiesBUENAVISTA VASE, THE: ARCHEOLOGY VS. LOOTING
Anthropology/Archaeology, Art, Indigenous Peoples, Latin America, USABuried Mirror, The. Part 2: The Conflict of The Gods
A co-production of Spanish television and the Smithsonian Institute, this Quincentenary series, narrated by the well known Mexican novelist Carlos Fuentes, is an excellent historical analysis and creatively filmed story of the encounter of two worlds in 1492 and the aftermath of this encounter. 5 hours in total, it can be shown separately or individually. In part 2 Fuentes retraces the indigenous world through its pyramids and sculptures. The return of their blond, exiled god, Quetzalcoatl, was forecast for the very year Cortes reached its shores.
(five part series)
Cabeza de Vaca
Freely adopted from the book Naufragios by Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca (written in 1542). The film portrays the saga of the adventures of a group of Spanish soldiers in Mexico. Their leader, Cabeza de Vaca, is considered to be one of the first Spaniards to come to some appreciation of the native Indians.
Biography, Drama, History, Indigenous Peoples, MexicoChac, The Rain God
This film, based on ritual and legends from the Popul Vuh, as well as Tzeltal and Mayan stories, and shot in the Chiapas region of Mexico, focuses on a small Tzeltal village during a terrible draught. Desperate for relief, thirteen men set out on a quest to save their people from starvation.
Indigenous Peoples, MexicoCineastas Indígenas 1: Kuikuro
This 3-part collection includes six films produced by Indigenous filmmakers Kuikuro, Huni Kui and Panara. Part I includes: Imbé Gikegü, Cheiro de pequi (2006, 36 minutes) and Nguné Elü, O dia em que a lua menstruou (2004, 28 min) by Kuikuro.
Part II includes: Xinã Bena, Novos tempos (2006, 52 min) and Huni Meka: Os Cantos do cipo (2006, 25 min) by Hunikui. Part III includes: Kiarãsâ Yõ Sâty, O amendoim da cutia (2005, 52 min) and Prîara Jõ, Depois do ovo, a Guerra (2008, 15 min) by Panará.
Anthropology/Archaeology, Brazil, History, Indigenous Peoples, Social Issues, Social Life and CustomsCineastas Indígenas 2: Huni Kuí
This 3-part collection includes six films produced by Indigenous filmmakers Kuikuro, Huni Kui and Panara. Part I includes: Imbé Gikegü, Cheiro de pequi (2006, 36 minutes) and Nguné Elü, O dia em que a lua menstruou (2004, 28 min) by Kuikuro.
Part II includes: Xinã Bena, Novos tempos (2006, 52 min) and Huni Meka: Os Cantos do cipo (2006, 25 min) by Hunikui.
Part III includes: Kiarãsâ Yõ Sâty, O amendoim da cutia (2005, 52 min) and Prîara Jõ, Depois do ovo, a Guerra (2008, 15 min) by Panará.
Anthropology/Archaeology, Brazil, History, Indigenous Peoples, Social Issues, Social Life and CustomsCineastas Indígenas 3: Panaráí
This 3-part collection includes six films produced by Indigenous filmmakers Kuikuro, Huni Kui and Panara. Part I includes: Imbé Gikegü, Cheiro de pequi (2006, 36 minutes) and Nguné Elü, O dia em que a lua menstruou (2004, 28 min) by Kuikuro. Part II includes: Xinã Bena, Novos tempos (2006, 52 min) and Huni Meka: Os Cantos do cipo (2006, 25 min) by Hunikui.
Part III includes: Kiarãsâ Yõ Sâty, O amendoim da cutia (2005, 52 min) and Prîara Jõ, Depois do ovo, a Guerra (2008, 15 min) by Panará.
Anthropology/Archaeology, Brazil, History, Indigenous Peoples, Social Issues, Social Life and CustomsCities Of The Ancient Mayas
This is a documentary by the Educational Video Network about ancient Maya society. This is intended for younger audiences.
Anthropology/Archaeology, Indigenous Peoples, Latin AmericaCocalero
An intimate portrait of the historic electoral campaign that made Evo Morales the first indigenous president of Bolivia. Through direct personal access to Morales, the filmmakers document his interactions with the union of Coca growers who formed his initial political base, the day-to-day management of the campaign, and attempts to educate voters about the electoral process. The film also explores connections between Morales and other leaders of the New Left in Latin America, as well as the conflicting views about his candidacy among more affluent Bolivians.
Bolivia, Indigenous Peoples, Politics/Human RightsColumbus Didn’t Discover Us
This documentary features interviews with indigenous activists from North, South, and Central America who gathered at the First Contintental Conference of Indigenous Peoples in July of 1990. Native people speak about the impact on their cultures of the Columbus legacy, contemporary struggles over land and human rights, the importance of reviving spiritual traditions, and the need to alert the world to environmental crises.
Indigenous Peoples, Latin AmericaConquistadors Part I
The conquest of the New World in less than 50 years is one of history's most profound events--and remains one of its greatest adventures. British historian Michael Wood captures the bravery, endurance, greed, cruelty, and suffering involved in these 16th-century explorations. Wood turns his attention to the Americas to follow four amazing tales: Cortes' dramatic conquest of the Aztecs in Mexico; Pizarro's daring overthrow of the Incas in Peru; Orellana's obsessive search for El Dorado and discovery of the Amazon; and Cabeza de Vaca's pivotal crossing of the North American continent. Great Britain/Latin America.
Biography, History, Indigenous Peoples, Latin AmericaConquistadors Part II
The conquest of the New World in less than 50 years is one of history's most profound events--and remains one of its greates adventures. British historian Michael Wood captures the bravery, endurance, greed, cruelty, and suffering involved in these 16th-century explorations. Wood turns his attention to the Americas to follow four amazing tales: Cortes' dramatic conquest of the Aztecs in Mexico; Pizarro's daring overthrow of the Incas in Peru; Orellana's obsessive search for El Dorado and discovery of the Amazon; and Cabeza de Vaca's pivotal crossing of the North American continent. Great Britain/Latin America.
Biography, History, Indigenous Peoples, Latin AmericaCorazon Indio
Part of a video series of the Taller Miradas Antroplogicas, which seeks to recognize the indigenous peoples of Mexico and their participation in Mexican society. This episode documents the presence of indigenous youth in university life.
Indigenous Peoples, Mexico, Social Life and CustomsCracking the Maya Code
This documentary tells the story of how, after centuries of inaccessibility, the Mayan hieroglyphics were finally decoded by archaeologists. Through many discoveries by people of all ages, including Michael Coe and David Stuart, the Mayan Civilization is brought to life during this fascinating account of how the Mayan "code" was cracked, and the ways in which this newly available script has reshaped our understanding of Mayan civilization.
Colonial, Guatemala, History, Indigenous Peoples, MexicoEdge Walker: A Conversation With Linda Schele
Documentary tribute to the late Linda Schele, among the leading scholars of Maya civilization, who in January 1998 gave a long, filmed interview in which she talks freely and frankly in her own inimitable style about her life, work, and philosophy.
Anthropology/Archaeology, Indigenous Peoples, Latinos/Chicanos, USAEn El Camino De Nuestros Antepasados
This film uses puppets to deliver lessons about Yucatec Maya language, culture, and history. It deals with issues of contemporary and ancient Maya heritage. The main characters travel to different sites including Chichen Itza, and learn about things such as traditional Maya farming practices, ancient Maya religion, and heritage site looting and preservation.
Animated, Anthropology/Archaeology, Country/Region, Environment/Geography, Indigenous Peoples, Mexico, Social Issues, SubjectFestival Of Mamacha Grande, The
Every year on July 16th the town of Paucartambo celebrates the festival of the Virgen del Carmen, Mamacha Carmen. According to tradition, the beauty of this festival arise from the competition between it and the Virgen del Rosario, the former celebrated by mestizos and the latter by Indians. Dance groups provide ways for the inhabitants of the town to identify themselves as individuals, as well as relate with one another as a single mestizo identity.
Anthropology/Archaeology, Indigenous Peoples, PeruFive Suns, The: A Sacred History Of Mexico
Patricia Amlin, the extraordinary animator who created Popol Vuh has taken authentic images from ancient Maya ceramics and turned them into a riveting retelling of the Maya creation myth. The story tells how Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca create heaven and earth, journey to the underworld to create humans and find sustenance for them, and finally create the sun and the moon.
Art, Indigenous Peoples, MexicoGeografias Suaves 1
A series of shorts from the 2004 Geografias Suaves regional film festival which feature Maya speaking peoples from Yucatan and Chiapas. The shorts include a video postcard documenting the lives and everyday experiences of children and their communities as well as stories based on folklore and oral tradition from the region.
Culture/Festivals/Food, Indigenous Peoples, Mexico, Social Life and CustomsGeografias Suaves 2
Part 2 of a series of shorts from the 2004 Geografias Suaves regional film festival which feature Maya speaking peoples from Yucatan and Chiapas. The shorts include a video postcard documenting the lives and everyday experiences of children and their communities as well as stories based on folklore and oral tradition from the region.
Docudrama, Indigenous Peoples, Mexico, Social Issues, Social Life and CustomsHistorias De Gente Grande
Based on the research of Felipe Vázquez Palacios and his team in the state of Veracruz. This documentary depicts the daily life of those whom society considers to be “old.” The testimonies of these men and women teach us that the process of growing old is a construction that combines biology with work, family and society. Due to their diminishing status and lack of social support, these older adults invent survival strategies while they wait for their death.
Art, Biography, Indigenous Peoples, Mexico, Social IssuesI Am Joaquin
This work by Luis Valdez and El Teatro Campesino marked the emergence of film as a distinct cultural and aesthetic practice within the Chicano Movement. In the film, Luis Valdez gives a dramatic interpretation of Rudilfo "Corky" Gonzalez's epic poem: I Am Joaquin, which was often distributed through mimeographed booklets to be read at rallies. This powerful film delineates all the contradictions of the Chicano experience over a 500-year genealogy of mestizo resistance.
Indigenous Peoples, Latinos/Chicanos, USAIn Search Of The Mayas
Deep in the rainforest of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula are the lost Mayan Cities of Chichen Itzá an Palenque. Discover their magic and learn about the Mayan culture while exploring some of the region’s most exquisite examples of pre-Hispanic American architecture.
Anthropology/Archaeology, Indigenous Peoples, MexicoIncas Remembered
Explores the mysteries of an advanced civilization's disappearance. The miracles of the Incas are presented in this engrossing special by award winning filmmaker Luch Jarvis. Suitable for all ages, but excellent for elementary-school students
Anthropology/Archaeology, Indigenous Peoples, PeruIncidents Of Travel In Chichén Itzá
This oringinal ethnographic video depicts how New Agers, the Mexican state, tourists, and 1920s archeologists all contend to “clear” the site of the antique Maya city of Chiché Itzá in order to produce their own idealized and unobstructed visions of “Maya” while the local Maya themselves struggle to occupy the site as vendors and artisans.
Anthropology/Archaeology, Indigenous Peoples, MexicoJesus
This feature film tells the story of the life of Jesus in Yucatec Maya language. It is a great resource for those who want to practice and master the language.
Drama, History, Indigenous Peoples, Mexico, ReligionLOS PUEBLOS INDIGENAS DE HOY
Country/Region, Culture/Festivals/Food, Indigenous Peoples, Mexico, Social Life and Customs, SubjectMaya, The
This great exhibit shows the expressive aesthetic language and historical testimony of an admirable civilization. This is the first presentation of the maya civilization that has covered all the regions of their geographical extension, all the periods of its history and all the diversity of the people who forged it.
Anthropology/Archaeology, Indigenous Peoples, MexicoMayas U Su’ut Ka’ansah
Filmed in the states of Quintana Roo and Yucatán, "U Su'us Ka'ansah (The Cycle of Teaching) depicts the living ancestral science within Mayan communities. We are given the opportunity to partake in their cultural practices, experiences, and knowledge, as well as their unique ways of thinking. In addition, the documentary reveals ancient Mayan principles which are still present in Yucatán communities today. We are presented with the problems surrounding their language, customs, ceremonies, traditional medicinal practices, products, and land, and how these endanger their cultural identity and ancestral knowledge.
Anthropology/Archaeology, Country/Region, Culture/Festivals/Food, History, Indigenous Peoples, Mexico, Social Life and Customs, SubjectMexican Prehispanic Cultures
This film takes a look at the cultural wealth of prehispanic Mexico: the civilizations of the Toltecs, the Aztecs, the Mayas, and their legacies are explored. Intended for younger audiences. An Educational Video Network film.
Anthropology/Archaeology, History, Indigenous Peoples, MexicoMi Niño Tizoc
Based in Mexico, a poor man struggles to make ends meet while facing the adversity of socioeconomic prejudice. Finances become worse once his ten-year-old son becomes seriously ill, and the man must find the means to heal his son.
Drama, Indigenous Peoples, MexicoMissao de Pesquisas Folcloricas Cadernetas de Campo
This DVD brings the field notebooks used by the researchers sent to the North and Northeast of the Country in 1938 by the then director of the Department of Culture of Sao Paulo, Mario de Andrade. Material, until now inaccessible to the Folkloric Research Mission, the books were digitized, transcribed and their images edited in an interactive program, in addition to being illustrated by the material recorded by the team, such as photographs, films and phonograms. Navigation can be carried out from each small notebook, with a reading centered on the notes of each researcher, or by the team's itinerary, whose diary organized by Flavia camargo Toni allows diving and understanding of the activities carried out day by day by members of the Mission.
Anthropology/Archaeology, Brazil, Indigenous Peoples, Social Life and CustomsMoon – woman’s Sisters, The: Highland Guatemala Weavings
Several Maya women in the Highland community of Comalapa share their insights into the art of weaving and its place and importance in their lives. Directed by Julia Kellman and Phil Miller and filmed on location in Guatemala and Honduras. Produced by Conejo Productions.
Art, Guatemala, Honduras, Indigenous PeoplesMusic Of The Maya
Produced by Samuel Franco, director of the Casa K'OJM, a private non-profit educational research center in Antigua, Guatemala dedicated to the preservation of Maya culture through music this video shows us live footage of music during daily life and special ceremonies throughout Guatemala, particularly in the Highlands. Narrated by Samuel Franco.
Culture/Festivals/Food, Guatemala, Indigenous Peoples, Music/Dance, Social Life and CustomsOro Maldito
Themes of greed and redemption weave through this story of a young man's obsessive search for gold. His quest takes him deep into the jungle and into fateful encounters with other "beings" in Bolivia's tropical region of Cochabamba.
Bolivia, Drama, Indigenous Peoples, Social IssuesOtra Conquista, La
The synthetic cultural identities resulting from the forcible conversion of Mexico's indigenous people by the Spanish are explored through the eyes of Cortes's mistress Tecuíchpo and a fictional half-brother, the illegitimate son of Montezuma II
Drama, History, Indigenous Peoples, MexicoOwners Of The Water: Conflict And Collaboration Over Rivers
The Xavante of central Brazil and the Wayuu of Venezuela are two indigenous groups who both face considerable challenges in their efforts to maintain control over and access to one of the most basic of natural resources, fresh water. In this compelling documentary an anthropologist from the United States collaborates with a member of the Xavante and a member of the Wayuu to explore the ways in which indigenous peoples are responding to threats to their environment and natural resources. The film focuses primarily on efforts by the Xavante to combat the deforestation and excessive use of agritoxins associated with the expanding Brazilian soy industry that threatens the viability of the Rio das Mortes as a viable water source. Through a focus on this particular movement, the filmmakers explore the close connection between the the goals of protecting our environment and defending the interests of indigenous peoples, as well as an growing solidarity among indigenous peoples throughout South America that is centered around mobilization with respect to environmental issues.
Brazil, Economics/Development, Environment/Geography, Indigenous Peoples, Social Movements/Resistance, VenezuelaPa Poder Que Nos Den Tierra
In Colombia's Cauca region, the Nasa (Paez) people's movement known as "Freedom for Mother Earth" has long fought to recover their lands. This video documents the group's recent protest, which resulted in harsh reprisals and suffering for the community.
Colombia, Indigenous Peoples, Social Movements/ResistancePais de los Pueblos Sin Dueños, El
The documentary features the voices of indigenous peoples, campesinos, Afro-Colombians, trade unionists, students, displaced peoples and all those who mobilized in the Social and Communitarian Minga in October and November of 2008.
Colombia, Economics/Development, Indigenous Peoples, Social Issues, Social Movements/ResistancePaulina Y El Condor/En Camino
These are two short animated films set in Bolivia, one made in Bolivia and the other in Switzerland. In "Paulina," a condor saves an Aymara girl from being obliged to become a maid in La Paz. In "En camino," a highland family moves to the big city to find a better life, but ultimately settles in the jungle, growing coca. (En camino is a silent film, with the German title Unterwags.)
Animated, Bolivia, Drama, Indigenous Peoples, SwitzerlandPerla, La
Based on The Pearl by John Steinbeck, who also assisted with the cinematography, this stunning film portrays the struggles of a poor Mexican family. Set in a community in Baja, the film centers around the family's efforts to survive and save their baby by diving for pearls. A disturbing vision of poverty and racism, and a visual masterpiece, due to the direction of Emilio Fernandez and the photography of Gabriel Figueroa.
Classic, Drama, Indigenous Peoples, Literature, MexicoPOPOL VUH
History, Indigenous Peoples, Latin America, ReligionQati Qati: Susurros de muerte
This is a fiction film based on a short-story from Bolivian Andean region. Fulo, a man from a small village in Bolivia not believe old traditions regarding the existence of souls and spirits. He has to face his wife's mysterious disappearance as a punishment for challenging these ancient beliefs. Winner of the best scenic production award at the 1999 Latin American Film and Video Festival of Indigenous Communities.
Bolivia, Drama, Indigenous Peoples, Social IssuesRADIO CHANUL POM, FROM THE HEART OF THE HIGHLANDS OF CHIAPAS
Indigenous Peoples, MexicoRETORNO A AZTLAN (RETURN TO AZTLAN)
History, Indigenous Peoples, MexicoSacred Games: Ritual Warfare
Every year in San Juan Chamula, Chiapas, in Southern Mexico, thousands of Maya Indians gather to celebrate Carnival, which they call "Festival of Games". This award winning film, which merges Catholicism and ancient Maya rights, beautifully captures the passion and mystery of the event and shows how Maya's symbolic world is renewed each year in the celebrations.
Anthropology/Archaeology, Indigenous Peoples, MexicoTERRAS
Border, Brazil, Environment/Geography, Indigenous Peoples, Social Life and CustomsYAKWA: O BANQUETE DOS ESPIRITOS
Brazil, Culture/Festivals/Food, Drama, Indigenous Peoples, Social Life and CustomsZapata’s Garden
In 1994 the Zapatistas reclaimed land in Chiapas' Lacandon jungle in southern Mexico to found the Autonomous Municipality of Emiliano Zapata. Since then, they have been building a new society in which there are neither servants nor bosses. Members of the community ensure their autonomy by tending to an organic vegetable garden and working collectively in all endeavors.
Drama, Indigenous Peoples, Mexico, Social Movements/Resistance