Ixcanul

Ixcanul is a 2015 Guatemalan drama film directed by Jayro Bustamante. The film, which is primarily in the Kaqchikel language, tells the story of María, a young Mayan woman living in the shadow of the Ixcanul volcano. María works on her family's coffee plantation and dreams of a life beyond their rural existence. She is engaged to someone her parents have chosen, but secretly harbors feelings for another.

The narrative explores themes of cultural identity, tradition versus modernity, and the pressures faced by young women in contemporary Mayan society. María's life is disrupted when an opportunity arises that could lead her away from her village and her prescribed future. The volcano itself, Ixcanul, serves as a powerful symbol throughout the film, representing both the natural beauty and the potential dangers of the environment, as well as the deep-rooted traditions and beliefs of the community.

The film received critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of Mayan life, its stunning cinematography, and its compelling performances. It premiered at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival in the Panorama section, where it won the Alfred Bauer Prize. Ixcanul was also selected as the Guatemalan entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards, although it was not nominated. The film offers a poignant look at the challenges and aspirations of its protagonist within her specific cultural context.