Embarking on this journey, initially driven by the desire to shed light on a widely misunderstood culture, has led to a profound transformation that 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 a five year period, 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 re-defined 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.

My hope is 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.