This is the first documentary project I worked on this year along amazing Producer/Director Lara Jacoski, from Bem-te-vi Productions. The objective of this first trip was to start the consultation process about how we were going to talk about this, a documentary that shows how the Coca plant was traditionally harvested and taken care of (organically), something that barely happens nowadays. Kuka Saruy translates from Quechua as "Stomped Coca" which is the ritual moment of the harvest in which during the drying of the leaf after harvested the farmers and harvest crew step on the leaves and dance on them, and in this way pass their good energy and prayers to the leaf, as its a leaf that is considered as a spiritual tool for the people of the Andes. It was a productive trip as we were able to get at least enough footage to edit a Trailer, and start a Crowdfuning Campaign with it, apply for grants or funding, and even imagine what the script would be like. However, for different reasons, the energy flow of this project got stagnant and we never proceeded with the Crowdfunding Campaign, and didn't get any funds to continue with the project. We decided to let it rest for a while so we can ferment on successful ways to push it and finish it without any forcing. Feedback comments by the community regarding the trailer and/or the situation would be very much appreciated! Plot Summary: This movie focuses on the message that the last elder for the community have heard from their APUS, sacred mountains. Taita José, invokes his elder soon Wilfredo Apaza, the Q’ero messenger to go into an ancient pilgrimage seeking to rebuild the relationship with this sacred plant and bringing back the power of AYNI (Sacred Reciprocity). Throughout this journey full os mysteries where two realities meet, the Amazon and the Andes, he encounters fellow seekers who further underscore the importance of AYNI. The final encounter is with the elder Don Fortunato, one of the few representatives that is the living testimony of the sacred ritual of the "Kuka Saruy", which unfolds and unlocks the access to ancient wisdom that can guide humanity into a balanced life among all living beings.

An Opportunity for Docs produced in 2024 Deadline: February 24 https://docsvalencia.com/

A few nights ago I dragged myself out to a local documentarians meet up that a friend mentioned to me. It would be good for me, I said. And I am so glad I did! Within 15 mins of inner social uncomfort, I realized everyone here is working on inspiring doc projects. We broke the ice, and then got to watch multiple works-in-progress. Words cannot describe the comradery, alignment and inspiration that happens when like minded people from documentary field come together. We shared our suggestions, commented on each others works and brainstormed different solutions to the sticky parts. It does so good to one’s soul - and we all learned about each other’s way of working, tips and tricks, and how differently we approach interviews, drone footage, characters. This was truly a gift - to be in an active room full of filmmakers. And these meet ups are happening in every major town. Find yours, and connect with local filmmakers, whether you’re working on something or not. Trust me, it will enhance your filmmaking skills and make you feel grounded in a community. Should we start meetups in this community??

Hey you! Seen any good documentaries lately? We are the place where you can find useful tools to make yours, to get inspired, troubleshoot your project, discuss movies you love, and stay updated on the latest news about the non-fiction filmmaking. Our greatest passion is to support documentary filmmakers in various places of their documentary journey 💛 YOU CAN EXPECT: - Weekly posts from yours truly about documentary industry / news / insight. - Resource Library with useful tools. - Seasonal Workshops and Webinars with guest star filmmakers to learn from. To situate yourself easier in Skool, Watch this INTRO video 👀 where I walk you through how to use this platform - as it could take some getting used to. I show you the main features and how to best use the platform for your documentary needs, how to unlock free gifts by participating and engaging. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 HANDS-ON SUPPORT: If you’ve already done some research, got a story to tell, and are eager to dive into making your documentary, excellent! For in-depth, personalized guidance and support, check out FILMMAKERS ACCELERATOR PRO, where you will find: - Hands-on, individual support for your project; - Access to Filmmakers Accelerator 8-week bootcamp for those wanting to accelerate their documentary; - Monthly 1 on 1s with Lina; - Exclusive Advanced Resource Library; - Feedback Sessions for your works in progress and treatments; - Specialized Workshops; - Project Spotlights; - In person meet-ups; - Year-Long Film School Program with quarterly modules focusing on stages like pre-production, storytelling techniques, editing workshops, and distribution strategies. It’s best to join FILMMAKERS PRO community if you’ve already started your documentary or if you’re ready to get going. Have fun in the FILMMAKERS' Accelerator Communities, and feel free to reach out to us anytime if you have any questions.

We’d love to learn where you're from, what is your relationship to filmmaking, and what you are working on? What excites you about documentaries? YES, pitches are totally welcome too 👍 Let us learn about you in the comments 👇🏽