Synopsis
English
With Brady Skye, Jesus Canul, Marisol Canul, Eulogio Canul, Rosa Canul, Rene Canul, Jose Cahum, Elias Cahum, Bernardo Can Chuc, Victor Cahum
Beyond the Ruins explores what it means to be Yucatecan Maya in the 21st century. Starting at the ancient city of Coba, the film takes viewers deep into the jungle, where two indigenous families work to preserve their cultural identity and spiritual philosophy: in lak’ ech, a lak’ en — “I am you; you are me.” Through stunning visuals and heartfelt moments, the film reveals how the Maya view themselves as part of a greater whole—each other, nature, and the cosmos.
Director Brady Skye undergoes a personal transformation, contrasting his Western upbringing with the Maya’s sense of interconnectedness. This emotional journey underscores a powerful message: the wisdom of indigenous cultures may hold answers for a more sustainable, compassionate future.
Beyond the Ruins is a moving portrait of a living culture that continues to thrive, reminding us that the true legacy of the Maya isn’t buried in the past—it’s alive today.
Press
“Visually stunning and philosophically profound.” – Carol Cram, Artsy Traveler
Notes on the Film
“Embarking on this journey, initially driven by the desire to shed light on a widely misunderstood culture, has led to a profound transformation that has forever changed my life. When I took on this project of exploring an indigenous people, I was acutely aware of the potential harm that can arise from misrepresenting sensitive topics, particularly when it comes to journalism.
Hence, my foremost objective in creating this film was to pay homage to the Maya people and craft a work that would make them proud. Today, I am grateful to declare that we have achieved that goal. Every step of the way, over five years, the Maya community stood with us, endorsing the film and its portrayal of their culture and beliefs.
While conflict traditionally stands as a cornerstone in storytelling, the Maya community of Coba redefined this norm. Despite their experiences of exploitation and marginalization, their profound philosophies steer them away from fixating on adversity or trials. Expressing negativity, including discussing these topics publicly, runs contrary to their essence. This prompted me to embrace an alternative narrative strategy, one that prioritized gratitude over conflict. This shift ultimately triggered a personal transformation, a particularly noteworthy transition given my background in a culture that champions independence and individualism rather than the values of family and community.
I hope that this film will not only change the way people perceive the Maya, but also their own personal perceptions of what it means to live a fulfilling life and what kind of legacy they are leaving behind.”
– Brady Skye, Director
