I am Maya - A movie directed and shot by Varial* for The Nature Conservancy

A Story of Climate Change & Resilience

This documentary film chronicles the impacts of climate change and deforestation on the indigenous communities who live in and around the Mayan Forest in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, and their efforts to both combat it and adapt to it. The film captures stirring images and interviews emotionally depicting the toll that changing rain patterns have had on the Mayans, forcing them to adapt their planting practices and, in some cases, migrate to cities.

But the story is one of hope. We see the communities taking action with their own hands on their own lands to implement improved productive practices that both reduce deforestation and improve resilience. They are proud leaders on the frontlines of climate change and they have a message to share: "I am Mayan and I care for my Mayan Forest. And you? What is your Mayan Forest?"

Bringing Indigenous Voices to COP21 Paris 2015

This film brings the voices of the Mayan communities of the Yucatan Peninsula to the COP21 in Paris 2015, in order to increase awareness about how climate change is affecting indigenous communities and what those communities are doing about it. While the people shown in the film cannot travel to the COP21, this film brings their stories to life with vivid imagery and stirring interviews that show the reality on the ground for the people dealing with the impacts of climate change.

The film and the following discussion foster interaction and dialog among participants about the role of indigenous communities in adapting to and mitigating climate change.