La Laguna

Gr 6 Up—This documentary focuses on two Lacandon Maya brothers and their family in a jungle village in Chiapas, Mexico. Director Aaron Schock aptly captures the culture and experiences of 12-year-old Yu'uk (which means "deer") and his younger brother José, age eight. English subtitles translate the elder brother's narration, which is primarily in Mayan with some Spanish. The film's gentle pace parallels the boys' daily lives, allowing viewers to absorb their loving relationship, the beautiful environment, and the ways their world has been affected by Mexican outsiders. Yu'uk teaches José to swim, catch fish, find safe forest foods, and care for the corn and bean fields, all while exploring the flora and fauna of the lake and its surrounding mountains. Their father and other male community members provide reflective religious and historical instruction through stories and ceremonies. The father's poor health, the birth of a niece with breathing issues and a seeming cognitive disability, a failed bean crop, and the boys' poor education from their monolingual (Spanish) teacher pressure the family into agonizing discussions around Yu'uk's future. Viewers feel the weight of the family's emotions as the film moves toward a resolute conclusion, which leaves lingering questions as to how Yu'uk will fare in the future.