The Tree of Life: Three Films on Indian Mexico 2006
Distributed by Ethnoscope Film & Video, PO Box 92353, Rochester, NY 14692; 585-442-5247
Producer n/a
Director n/a
DVD, color, 91 min.
Sr. High - Adult
Area Studies, Central American Studies, Education, Human Rights, Latin American Studies, Popular Culture, Postcolonialism, Religious Studies, Storytelling
Date Entered: 02/23/2007
Reviewed by Brad Eden, Associate University Librarian for Technical Services and Scholarly Communication, University of California, Santa BarbaraThese three films, contained on one DVD, examine the current situation for the indigenous Indian culture in Mexico. The first film, The Tree of Life (29 min.) shows a recreation of the ancient Totonac Indian ritual known as Los Voladores (the flyers). The film shows Indian performers on top of a large pole in front of the Aztec ruins, performing this ancient ritual. The second film, The Tree of Knowledge (25 min.) contrasts the two educational systems currently in Mexico: the public school system that teaches patriotism and nationalism to the Indians, and the Totonacs "Danza de los Huehues" that teaches young Indians not to abandon their ancient ways of life. The third film, Indian Democracy (37 min.) describes the current rights revolution among Indians in Mexico, to be treated as human beings and to be allowed to practice and live within their cultural experience.
Numerous awards have been given to this compilation of films, including a number of first prizes. They are a fascinating look at a culture whose people are trying to survive in the modern world, and maintain their ancient ways and rituals.