Educational Media Reviews Online

Eva A. Ma’s short documentary tells the story of two indigenous artists who are part of a celebration and revival of the Aztec, Mayan, Olmec and Toltec native cultures that existed prior to European conquest. While their creative expression is very different, both men share a deep connection to the spiritual aspects of nature common to these native peoples.

An artistic child prodigy, Ernesto Hernandez Olmos has matured into a master painter, sculptor and musician. His beautiful acrylic murals, full of native symbolism, are visually stunning, transporting the viewer into a waking dream. His titular self-crafted red ceramic flute of fire has two pipes, one which carries the melody of the feminine, and the other the accompanying masculine drone, both providing the breath of life keeping the pipe’s bowl alight. To see Olmos playing the instrument is to realize you’re witnessing a genius who will surely gain great international recognition someday.

The second half of the film focuses on Ruben Guzman, sculptor of fantastical works made of recycled newspaper and grocery bags through a process he calls “cartoneria.” His large sculptures are impressive, and the piece titled “Rebirth of Quetzalcóatl” is remarkably captivating. Guzman is a passionate educator, and possibly while not solving our environmental problems, his protégé’s will surely do more to create a more beautiful world than simply repurposing wastepaper.

I recommend this brief film to anyone interested in seeing two young artists on the cusp of great fame.

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