The Genizaro Experience: Documentary

My name is Gary Medina Cook. I am a mixblood (Spanish/Mexican/Native American/ Scottish/Irish) filmmaker, musician, and composer. As an independent New Mexican filmmaker, my short films have premiered at film festivals in America, Canada, Europe and Asia. I scored the original music for an Emmy Award Winning indigenous film that recently aired on NM PBS titled However Wide The Sky. Music and film are my passion.

My own Genizaro Experience began as a ten-year-old boy in my Grandmother Medina's kitchen in Northern New Mexico - over warm tortillas and rich stories - about our captive ancestors. The Genizaro Experience - Shadows in Light documentary explores "duality" in the human condition. We delve into the history of Indigenous Slavery and Genizaro in the contemporary through the eyes and words of the people. Although Genizaro is not a "singular" existence (in that there is not one tribe or one nation), there is a shared duality and a common bond amongst land grant people and individuals.

Being Genizaro is a blending of spirits. Both Native American and Spanish/Mexican cultural identity is embraced to varying degrees in these communities throughout New Mexico and Southern Colorado. Each Genizaro community is unique. They have their own interpretations of shared songs, dances, and history. The late great Genizaro poet and author Benito Cordova from Abiquiu wrote about this unique duality and how it vibrates at the core of Genizaro Identity. I embrace that notion and use it as a foundation for which to build greater understanding. 

In the film, descendants share their unique history of captivity, redemption, and ethnogenesis. Genizaro scholars, authors, historians, law professors, genetic genealogists, psychologists, activists, artists, and musicians contribute their knowledge and talent - resulting in an educational and heartfelt presentation. I am not a historian or scholar. I am a filmmaker. I believe in providing a voice to the voiceless and utilizing the creative arts to communicate in ways that others cannot.

Genizaro history has been written about long before this film went into production, however, everyday people that embrace the lifestyle and consciousness have not had the opportunity to speak about their incredible history in film. I believe this format provides them with a safe space to do so. There are o political motives or bias on my part. Everything we discuss can be found in the historic records. There may be philosophical viewpoints that differ from each community, but the history is solid.

I am blessed to have met so many incredible people on this journey. I learned a great deal in the process about the subject and discovered new relatives and personal connections that tie my family history to several of these Indigenous communities. Our mixed blood runs deep in the soil of New Mexico. I am a descendant of the original families that founded the Genizaro settlement of Canon de Carnue in 1763. My mother's family has history in Taos and other ancestors lived, worked, and died in places like Abiquiu, Santa Cruz La Canada, Chimayo, Trampas, Truchas, Ranchos de Taos, and several Pueblos . I do not belong to a recognized tribe. My goal is simple: honor ancestors by bringing their story to light.

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While working on The Genizaro Experience tragedy struck home with the death of my father. I honestly didn't know if I had the fortitude to finish this film. One quiet evening my father's spirit whispered with a mentor-like disposition: "You know how to break a catch twenty-two. Flood it with energy!" His words empowered me to move forward with the film and with life. 

This film has been selected to make its world premiere at the 2023 Santa Fe Film Festival. 

With gratitude,

 

GMC