The Living Maya Films

This series documents life in a Yucatan village, focusing on one family over the course of a year. The films explore the ancient agricultural and religious customs that ground contemporary Maya life in traditional values – even as modern Mexico comes to the village. 

Part 1 Introduces the village of Chican and the Colli-Colli family, and examines the structure of Maya agricultural and village life. 

Part 2 Hard-pressed by an illness in the family, the Colli-Colli face financial and emotional challenges using traditional solidarity to muster resources and comfort. Drought threatens the village's crucial corn crop. 

Part 3 As the Colli-Colli resolve their difficulties and the village harvests a mediocre corn crop, viewers are left with an understanding of the underlying rationales of Maya life and with questions about their own assumptions, priorities, and values. 

Part 4 The Colli-Colli's two youngest sons plead to be placed in school in Merida – the first of their family to reject traditional life.