Virginia Film Festival

Vaychiletik (Dreams) tells the story of José Pérez, who the gods have granted the gift of music. Those who hold the position of traditional musicians, such as José, are appointed for life and are expected to play in the sacred festivities of Zinacatán, a Tzotzil Mayan territory in the Highlands of Chiapas. These sacred festivities are essential to preserving the central harmony of Tzotzil culture, so José gets up at dawn, takes his flute, and sets off to tour the regions of Zinacatán. This responsibility becomes more difficult for José as he ages, but as the temptation to quit grows stronger, he fears punishment from the gods if he resigns prematurely. Vaychiletik, a documentary based on the life of director Juan Javier Pérez’s father, explores the intense yet beautiful world of Mayan Tzotzil culture.
Discussion with Director Xun Perez 

This film is part of the Mobile Cinema Series presented by UVA Arts: supported by the Office of the Provost & the Vice Provost for the Arts.

This film is also part of the Indigenous Cinema of the Americas Series presented by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. 

This film is also part of the The Highlighting Cinema of Mexico Focus supported by Mexican Cultural Institute in D.C.