Rio Negro a documentary
Our documentary film explores the question:
How can you continue to live in a place where your ancestors were brutally killed?
Brief summary
Our documentary portrays a Maya community in Rio Negro, a village in the Guatemalan highlands. Almost all of its members were brutally killed by the government during several massacres of the civil war in the 80s, to make space for the construction of a dam. The few survivors, who were able to hide away, return to the stolen land years later. We follow them as they fight to safeguard their memories and culture against global economic forces and climate change. Until today their stories remain undocumented and largely unheard. We intend to change this with our film.
More details can be found on our website: rionegrofilm.de
Who we are
Our director Anna-Sophia Richard has spent formative periods of her youth in Guatemala. Since she met the community of Rio Negro more than ten years ago, even though the distance often makes it difficult, she has been in contact with the people and accompanied their journey. She gained a very special relationship with the community, so therefor they are opening her the doors to their home and heart.
The production companies Intuition Club from Schleswig-Holstein(Germany), sehstern filmproduktion from Hessen (Germany) and Cine Concepcion from Guatemala City are managing and coordinating the financing and filming of the project. They were impressed and touched by the synopsis for RIO NEGRO and attracted by the magic of the images, which were photographed by DoP Jonas Schneider.
The crew has grown in size and we’re happy to have formed a diverse and international coalition, based on previous collaborations or joint years of study.
This project means a lot to us. We admire how the people in Rio Negro see life, their resilience, and their way of dealing with death. We want to give these people a voice to keep their story alive.
What we need
Why do we start this campaign?
Our project rests on ties with the community that go back 10 years. We know the people of Rio Negro and they know us. Our mutual endeavour has almost come to an end, but one financial hurdle stands in our way: We are in the final stages of filming and are in need of 35’000 euros to return to the village once more and complete our project. These funds are used to pay the work of locals employed (from people in the village to our Guatemalan production company), and for the costs incurred by our film crew. We have tried all other routs to fill this financial gap with European funds and partners, yet our issue is one that does not always receive the attention that it needs. Our final shoot is crucial for the project. Waiting to film could mean losing the voices of some members, and with it crucial parts of their history. We need to record them now.
What we offer
First of all, we are happy to receive any amount of donations! You can choose which amount you would like to donate yourself. Indigogo will suggest an amount of €10, which can be simply deleted and replaced with a separate amount.
-from a donation of 1€-50€ you will receive credits
-from a donation of 50€-100€ you will receive the music track from our film
-from a donation of 100€-500€ you will receive a print of our photographs from a selection of 5 motifs
-from a donation of 500€ or higher you will receive a framed print of our photographs from a selection of 5 motifs
The Impact
The community is keen on supporting our film, seeing it as a testament of their story. Our film enables the community to publicly reflect on their past, and to preserve the customs and rituals passed down from their Mayan ancestors. An endeavour, which is needed now more than ever in local communities all over the globe. Our film is a story of grief and hope. It shows the devastating impact government-led wars have on generations of people. And yet, something powerful happens when people come together to reflect on their individual and public wounds. They unite in their grief, and in their strength are able to pave the way for hope. Hope for a better future.
The People of Rio Negro
Our protagonists
Our main protagonist is 65 years old Julian Sanchez Chen, he is the chronicler of the village and has been collecting the community's stories and contemporary testimonies for years. He is also one of the few and oldest survivors.
Fidelia Sanchez Chen is a guardian of traditional knowledge. She appears shy when she speaks in Spanish, since her own language is Maya Achí. Fidelia remembers and preserves the customs taught by her ancestors.
Sebastian Iboy was still a teenager when he lost his family in the massacre. He was one of the first to return to Rio Negro. He has been a focal and politically active member of the community.
The village of Rio Negro
You can support the community Rio Negro in documenting and sharing their story. It is high time that their voices are heard, finally.
Follow us on Instagram, Tik Tok and LinkedIn under Rionegrofilm.de