Ways to Pass Area Review – Documenting an Ancient and Disappearing Way of Life | film

A Poetic tranquility lies within Gabriela Domínguez Ruvalcaba’s vulnerable documentary, shot among the mossy hills of Chiapas, Mexico. Here resides the indigenous Tzotzil community who have maintained a pastoral way of life against the march of time. Aside from the forest ranger and the wayfarer, Ruvalcaba’s film focuses almost entirely on the Tzotzil women. Together they care for the flocks of sheep that they still shear by hand, and use traditional tools to spin threads and natural dyes for fabrics. Amazingly, these traditional practices not only keep the cultural heritage alive, but also introduce an artistic element into daily rituals.

The women are often photographed in wide shots that capture the majestic landscape surrounding them, reinforcing the deep connection between the Tsotsil community and its environment where natural resources are treated with care and respect. Meanwhile, Chiapas is far from idyllic. One woman says that although non-indigenous people now treat them with more respect, discrimination still exists. Another talks about gender inequality within her community and how her father prevented her from getting an education.

Ruvalcaba’s film also represents different types of crossings. The area, for example, is lined with historic trails, while the camera lens also acts as a threshold. The director grew up in the area but did not learn about indigenous communities. Filmmaking becomes a channel to fill this gap. Although the stylized setting can sometimes err on the side of the aesthetic, there is a wonderful moment when the ethnographic gaze is reversed. During their photography, the Tsotsil women suddenly commented on Ruvalcaba’s camera setup and acknowledged the artistic specificity of the photography. Just like weaving, it seems filmmaking can be a craft art as well.