Patriarchal violence exists the world over, but in the rural parts of Mexico, it stifles and kills girls and women. I Died examines three stories from a Tsotil village in which women were able to wrestle control of their lives away from the demands of a deeply patriarchal culture. With the help of political activism like the Zapatista movement, these three women were able to give their children a chance to live the lives they wished they could if they didn’t have to serve violent, uncaring, and overbearing fathers. With new politics and access to land, these women enter into the coffee industry, working for themselves and making sure each of their children has an education. The filmmaker is one of these children, and in the film’s first moments we hear her mother praise her for coming home and helping to tell these important but often overlooked stories.
It’s hard to believe this is Ana Ts'uyeb’s first feature, but it is. I Died is an atmospheric documentary and pure anthropology from the get-go, plunging you into the lives and statements of three Tsotil women living in Chiapas. Incredibly intimate, we hear stories of nests becoming empty, educations cut short for the sake of the harvest, and men wielding socioeconomic power against girls and women like a knife. Ts'uyeb experiments with observational naturalism, giving us a surprisingly deep dive into the existence of native women living in the sphere of influence of the Zapatistas. I was struck most by the stories, but the second thing that stuck with me was this rejection of typical anthropological documentary filmmaking that treats subjects almost like animals in the wild. If your patrons are sick of the Natural Geographic stylings of many anthropology documentaries, I Died is the balm they’re seeking.
Those studying Mexican native cultures, the Zapatista movement, women, feminism, or agriculture will find the most interesting information within, but anyone who wants to learn about the lives of others will be captivated. It’s been a long time since such a deliberate and simple documentary grabbed me by the ears and wouldn’t let me look away. Ts'uyeb’s cinematography is top class and worth the price of admission in and of itself. Slow and pensive but never boring, I Died is an outstanding documentary that needs to be watched. Highly Recommended. Editor’s Choice.
What academic subjects or university courses would benefit from this documentary about Indigenous women in Mexico?
I Died is an outstanding resource for courses in anthropology, Latin American studies, Indigenous studies, women's and gender studies, sociology, human rights, and agricultural development. Through deeply personal testimonies, the documentary explores the intersection of patriarchy, Indigenous identity, economic independence, and political activism within a Tsotsil community in Chiapas. It also provides valuable insight into the influence of the Zapatista movement and the ways women have used education, land ownership, and cooperative farming to reshape opportunities for future generations. Its observational style and community-centered perspective make it an excellent complement to academic discussions on ethnographic filmmaking and decolonizing anthropology.
Why should public and academic libraries include this Indigenous documentary in their collections?
I Died is a remarkable documentary that combines intimate storytelling with exceptional cinematography to illuminate experiences rarely represented in mainstream nonfiction. Libraries supporting anthropology, Indigenous studies, feminist scholarship, or Latin American history will find it an invaluable addition for students and researchers alike. Public library patrons interested in global cultures, social justice, and character-driven documentaries will also appreciate its thoughtful exploration of resilience and community. With its respectful approach to ethnographic filmmaking and compelling firsthand accounts, I Died offers both educational value and a deeply human viewing experience.
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