Heart of Sky, Heart of Earth

Filmmakers Frauke Sandig and Eric Black's documentary offers a caustic critique of the ecological destruction caused by mining and deforestation in Mexico and Guatemala, while also serving up a poetic evocation of the traditional spirituality of the indigenous peoples in the region—especially the Maya, who view the devastation as a rupture of the proper relationship between man and nature, presaging disaster. Along the way, six young Mayans talk about both the racism they have faced and government military action against their people, while also describing their personal journeys to recapture their ancient rituals and a life in accordance with the natural order. One young man, for example, has chosen to live in the forest and practice the old ways, while a young woman, who found herself mistreated when she attempted to assimilate, has returned to traditional dress. Their stories are tied together by recitations from creation myths drawn from Mayan texts, set against haunting landscapes and skies. Scenes showing that even historically significant sites are being reduced to rubble by bulldozers take on particular poignancy here, although the spirit of Heart of Sky, Heart of Earth is more elegiac than angry—expressing a mournful yet dignified attitude toward those who cannot comprehend the consequences of their destruction. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)