Documentary Film

OUTLINE:

In the narrowest part of Mexico, between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, lies the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a sun baked region, which has been the home of the Zapotec people for millennia.

A distinctive part of Zapotec culture are the muxhes, a richly diverse group that defy categorization. All muxhes are born male, however many muxhes identify as women, or both man and woman. Traditionally having a muxhe as your child is seen as a blessing. Muxhes have a very significant role in the family and are active members of the community.

This film explores the complexities and the plurality of muxhe identity in 21st century Mexico, and the acceptance of muxhes by the wider community of Juchitán, even the local Catholic church.

In this film we visit Juchitán, known in Zapotec as "City of the flowers", to meet some members of Las Intrépidas, a popular group of muxhes.

We joined them as they prepare for their annual celebrations; a high point of which is the Intrépidas Vela, or dance. This huge party, featuring a muxhe catwalk and the crowning of a Queen muxhe, is an inclusive event, which is a cultural highlight for the whole community.


WOULD YOU LIKE TO SUPPORT THIS FILM ?

We already have the footage, we are reviewing the incredible stories and now we require completion funding to finish the film.
Any donation possible would greatly help towards the realisation of this project. Each donor will be credited in the film.

You can meet some of our characters, like the enigmatic Beth Sua, the flamboyant Mayte, or the matriarch Felina, by visiting www.chiaroscuropictures.co.uk

FILM TRAJECTORY AND TARGET AUDIENCE:

This film is targeted for the international festival circuit "“ Sheffield Doc/Fest, Copenhagen International Film Festival (CPH: DOX), Guanajuato International Film Festival and Frameline San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival, amongst others.

Las Flores de Juchitan will appeal to a wide audience. The personal approach and the cinematic visual style of the documentary will actively engage viewers. The film will convey a vivid portrait of this unique community "“ bringing the viewer into the world of the muxhes "“ thus celebrating humankind's diversity.

PRODUCTION FACTS:

Feature documentary 70'
Shooting Format HD video

Director/Producer : Ruth Cook
Co-producer: Juan Leon
Director of Photography: Claire Buxton


CONTACT

For further information contact Ruth Cook or Juan Leon at:

[email redacted]
www.chiaroscuropictures.co.uk
www.facebook.com/muxhesdocumentary