Taino Documentary Filming

Greetings and blessings to all. My name is Salvador Bolivar Madera. I'm a filmmaker, father, and teacher. I was born and raised in New York City from immigrant teenage parents. Both came from the Caribbean with their parents in search of the American dream. As a child I was raised to be proud of my heritage, do my best to go to school and fit in. Unfortunately the images that these learning institutions had for me or my people were not sufficient enough and left me always searching and seeking for acceptance. Ultimately, leading me down a long road of suffering, betrayal, denial, and depression. It wasn't until years later as an adult that I embarked on a journey of self healing that lead me to meet several amazing people. They assisted me in understanding who I was and where my lineage came from.  


They guided me down a path of healing not only for myself from my childhood traumas, but those traumas that lay deep with in my DNA from my Ancestors.  Many of the unhappiness that we feel, many of our illnesses and ailments that we are plagued with as a society stems from ancestral and childhood traumas. When I learned of this I began to uncover, revisit, and remember who I am and where I came from. I also learned what had happened not only did to me, but those who came before me. That is when I truly began to live a new life empowered, full of joy and happiness. I am now attempting to tell that story in the form of a documentary.


I have been shooting on the island of Kiskeya (Dominican Republic) for the last past two years and hope to return early next year to continue shooting. I have also been invited in December to join and film my mentor, Chief Roman Red Hawk and other elders, as they attend an indigenous medicine council on the island of Cubanascnan (Cuba). This is a rare and exclusive event, that will allow us to film elders discussing and demonstrating ancient Taino medicines and practices. We are hoping to raise these funds in order to pay for our travel expenses, room, food, and board to both islands.  This project is extremely important to me as it will attempt to inform the world on not only my journey, but the journey of our people the Tainos. This documentary will show how and what it truly takes to heal oneself, our society, and the environment. As well as re-introduce to the world the legacy of a beautiful people, their way of life, their medicines, and knowledge they carried plus all they offered and still offer humanity.

We offer you this trailer so you can see a glimpse of what is to come from this project. 

Thank you. Bomatum.