Song of the Earth

Song of the Earth: Traditional Music from the Highlands of Chiapas/Son de la Tierra

(Tzotzil with English subtitles, 2002, 16:42)

Tzotzil elders explain the significance of traditional music and the role of musicians in their communities.Various celebrations, songs and dances are presented including the festival of San Andres, the most important celebration of the year. Elders talk about the influence of western music and dress on youth and express their hopes that indigenous youth will maintain their traditions and culture.Song of the Earth demonstrates the strength of communities in resistance as they struggle to preserve their cultural heritage amidst the low intensity war and the allure of pop culture

"Los sones, los instrumentos, los cantos y las danzas son señales de fiesta y de alegria, es una forma de alabar a nuestro Dios y pedirle todo lo que necesitamos para vivir con alegria.” Músico de San Andrés Sakamch´en.

Documental donde ancianos tzotziles explican el significado de los sones tradicionales con la esperanza de que los jóvenes recojan estas tradiciones en el corazón.

Una muestra de los esfuerzos de las comunidades en resistencia, por preservar la identidad cultural de sus pueblos aún en las condiciones de supervivencia que enfrentan

Festivals:

2003 Smithsonian Native American Film and Video Festival, New York City, NY

2003 Tulipanes Latino Art and Film Festival, Holland, Michigan USA

2003 Maine International Film Festival, Waterville, Maine USA

2003 CINESOL, Texas, USA

2004 Sami Film Festival, Norway

2004 Native Film Festival, Eastern Cherokee, Southern Iroquois & United Tribes of South Carolina, Inc. United Tribes of South Carolina, USA

2006 Skábmagovat Film Festival, Finland