The “Voices of Santiago” Film Project is a non-profit endeavor to document one of the last remaining traditional Mayan communities (in Santiago de Atitlan, Guatemala) by recording conversations with its most representative Tz’utujil residents.
The project will be delivered as an interactive digital archive available online and on DVD. Its creators hope the product will be used in education and research, the tourist industry, and in the community of Santiago itself. Ultimately, the project will be developed into a museum exhibition with an accompanying book. (Please click on “Funding Proposal” to view a complete description of the project.)
Where Is Santiago de Atitlan?
For those of you who have not visited the Tzutujil Mayan town of Santiago de Atitlan, it lies at the southerly end of beautiful Lago Atitlan in the highlands of Guatemala, in the shadows of three great volcanoes. The town is famous for its indelible traditions, syncretic church altar, weaving arts, and its local diety, Maximon. Its religious traditions are complex and embodied in its system of ‘cofradias’ that sponsor celebrations and maintain the images of saints and spirits at numerous locations throughout the village. Santiago is home to large and powerful evangelical church organizations as well, which many single out as a key reason for a steady decline of traditional Mayan customs, dress, and beliefs in the community.
This website is posted for the purpose of inviting you to join in the effort to help document and preserve Tzutujil traditions in Santiago de Atitlan on film. We believe the journey will be well worth the reward.
The Project Team
The Voices of Santiago Project
Please view the 8-minute demo video for “Voices of Santiago” by clicking here.
