Cloistered away in the inhospitable Southwestern United States lies Chaco Canyon. There you can find a series of stunning sites of an ancient Puebloan culture with incredible ties to indigenous cultures further south. Written on the Landscape follows expert and filmmaker Anna Sofaer as she revisits sites she and a team of archeologists rediscovered in the 1970s. From the mysterious great house to the sun dagger, Sofaer and a mélange of guides, experts, and indigenous people discuss the probable uses and motivations behind the creation of these enigmatic structures. Topics include the symbolic meaning of the constructions, the connections these people had with the Aztecs and maybe even cultures further south, and the reason why these sites were so obviously abandoned.
Anyone interested in the proto-Puebloan culture that reigned over Chaco Canyon and the surrounding area of the modern Four Corners should watch this documentary. Sofaer, Alanso Menedez, and Robert Weiner are among the experts who lend their voice and knowledge to this exploration of an almost forgotten culture that seemed as if it wished to remain hidden. While they cannot hope to answer one of history’s greatest mysteries as to why such a large and vibrant culture would appear in the dry deserts of the American Southwest only to disappear within a few hundred years of its emergence, they can successfully examine and explain some of the cultural and astronomical importance behind the aesthetic, architectural, and natural elements of Chaco Canyon.
Style-wise, Written on the Landscape is a bit dry, but those who enjoy classic archeology and cultural documentaries will love this film. Its minimal-frills approach to documentary filmmaking makes it possible to experience the landscape and the archeological sites without interruption or distraction. CGI is used sparingly to examine large-scale concepts and designs with ease, but otherwise the camera simply follows its subjects and speakers, showing us the astronomical events that inspired this unique and relatively unknown culture to create their great works.
Personally, I loved this documentary: It reminded me of the materials my teachers used in class when I was a child. This documentary was made with people interested in this subject in mind and doesn’t try to court favor with the uninterested by using flashy CGI, pop culture, or celebrity endorsement. That will make it a perfect choice for classroom use from junior high to the postgraduate levels, even a decade or so into the future. Highly Recommended.
How can Written on the Landscape be integrated into public libraries’ collection development?
Public libraries should add Written on the Landscape to their collections on archeology, indigenous history, and cultural studies. It caters to patrons interested in ancient civilizations, the interplay of astronomy and culture, and the history of the American Southwest.
What college courses and majors could benefit from using Written on the Landscape?
Courses in anthropology, archeology, history, indigenous studies, cultural astronomy, and American Southwest studies would benefit. It is suitable for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels as it delves deeply into cultural symbolism and astronomical practices.
How could Parks and Recreation programs use Written on the Landscape in their educational initiatives?
Parks and Recreation programs could use this documentary to enhance visitor understanding of Chaco Canyon. It could serve as an educational resource for workshops, lectures, or guided tours in parks with cultural or historical relevance to the ancient Puebloans.
What are the Public Performance Rights (PPR) considerations for screening Written on the Landscape?
Organizations must acquire public performance rights to legally screen Written on the Landscape at events like library film series, community educational programs, or cultural heritage celebrations. This ensures compliance with copyright laws.
How could Written on the Landscape enhance special events on college campuses?
The documentary could anchor events such as heritage festivals, archeology symposiums, or interdisciplinary talks on ancient astronomy and indigenous cultures. Its expert perspectives make it a valuable tool for academic exploration.
Why is Written on the Landscape a strong candidate for movie licensing?
Written on the Landscape is a strong licensing candidate because it offers educational longevity with its in-depth focus on Chaco Canyon’s culture and history. Its timeless subject matter and minimal reliance on trends ensure relevance for years to come, making it an excellent addition to institutional libraries and educational platforms.