Warriors of the Sun 2011
Distributed by Ethnoscope Film and Video, PO Box 92353, Rochester, NY 14692; 585-442-5274
Produced by Ethnoscope Film & Video
Directed by Bruce "Pacho” Lane
DVD, color, 117 min.
Jr. High - General Adult
Anthropology, Latin American Studies, Native American Studies
Date Entered: 03/26/2012
Reviewed by Jessica Schomberg, Minnesota State University, MankatoThis documentary discusses the religious traditions of the Totonac and their struggles to restore their culture, much of which has been forgotten due to the forces of colonialism and globalization. The focus of the film is on the revival of the ritual of the Voladores (the flyers). Participants in the ritual learn more about it and the cosmology of the Totonac through visiting the ruins of the ancient Totonac capital, el Tajín. They also must debate whether to keep the ritual for themselves or allow it to be used as a tourist attraction. After the ritual, participants discuss their reactions to performing it and what it means to them.
Warriors of the Sun includes narration in English and interviews in Spanish and Totonacan with yellow English subtitles. Also includes footage taken in 1970 of the last time the Voladores ritual had been performed.
Recommended for libraries collecting in the areas of indigenous American traditions or Mexican Indian culture.