The captivating film, Binnigula’sa’ (Ancient Zapotec People) (2024), takes viewers on a cinematic journey through the Mexican countryside, where modern civilization clashes with the ancient past. The story follows the accidental discovery of the Cheguigo Monolith by a young boy in 1960, leading to its relocation to the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. The film raises thought-provoking questions about the role of museums and who they truly serve.
Decades later, Ta Cándido, the original discoverer of the monolith, embarks on a journey to reconnect with the artifact. He visits the museum in Mexico City, only to be met with bureaucratic indifference and a lack of recognition for his role in the monolith’s discovery. The film highlights the disconnect between rural communities and the capital, where decisions about cultural heritage are made without considering the voices of those most affected.
Directed by Jorge Ángel Pérez, Binnigula’sa’ sheds light on the complexities of cultural heritage and the power dynamics at play in the museum world. It challenges the notion of museums as neutral spaces for preserving history, instead portraying them as institutions that often prioritize preservation over community connection.
The film also delves into broader themes of class and racial dynamics in Mexico, echoing conversations sparked by other works like Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma. It confronts the audience with the uncomfortable truth that museums can sometimes serve as barriers to cultural understanding, locking away artifacts from their original contexts and communities.
As viewers watch Binnigula’sa’ (Ancient Zapotec People), they are reminded of the importance of preserving cultural heritage in a way that honors its living traditions and connections to local communities. The film serves as a powerful critique of the museum system and a call to action for greater inclusivity and representation in the preservation of cultural artifacts.
To experience this thought-provoking film for yourself, check out Binnigula’sa’ (Ancient Zapotec People) (2024) online. Directed by Jorge Ángel Pérez, this film is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of culture, heritage, and power dynamics in the museum world.
