CULTURAL RESILIENCE

GUATEMALA

Lead your students on a documentary tour of Guatemala: sharing stories of cultural resilience in Antigua

This documentary field study gives students an inside look at cultural resilience in Guatemala, where centuries-old traditions are being preserved and revitalized in the face of modernization and global challenges.

Under your guidance and the support of our Actuality team on location, students will collaborate with local cultural organizations to create a documentary that illuminates how communities are sustaining their heritage while adapting to the future. It’s a hands-on opportunity for students to document resilience through their storytelling.

Students will take part in responsible tourism activities in Antigua and nearby areas, including Lake Atitlan, designed to provide them with unforgettable travel experiences while connecting them to the rich cultural heritage of the region.

DESTINATION

COMMUNITY

Antigua, Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a city renowned for its stunning colonial architecture and vibrant traditions. Yet, beyond its cobblestone streets lies a story of cultural resilience, where indigenous Maya communities are actively preserving their heritage while adapting to modern challenges. Antigua is a gateway to exploring these rich traditions and the efforts to protect them.

Partnering with local cultural organizations, students will explore how Maya communities are revitalizing their customs and responding to social and environmental pressures. This experience offers students a deeper appreciation for cultural preservation and adaptation, showing how communities continue to thrive while maintaining their identities in a changing world.

DOCUMENTARY

PROCESS

The documentary project is the centerpiece of this week-long trip, providing students with the chance to learn and practice ethical, collaborative documentary production. This experience teaches both the technical aspects of filmmaking and photography and emphasizes the importance of storytelling within a community context.

Students can choose to engage in either a group video project or individual photography projects, both following a similar storytelling process. Whether they choose video or photography, the focus remains on ethical storytelling, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity.

Workshop – The project starts with a comprehensive workshop that introduces the stages of documentary production, covering key milestones and best practices. This ensures that all participants are well-prepared for their chosen roles.

Research – After the workshop, students will conduct field research, meet with collaborators, build relationships, and plan their projects. This phase is essential for ensuring that the stories are told accurately and respectfully.

Production – As the project continues, students in the video project will conduct interviews and gather visuals, refining their camera and audio skills. Photography students will focus on creating impactful images that tell a compelling story.

Editing – Students in the group video project will create a “paper cut,” outlining the documentary’s structure and flow, guiding the editing process. While the students are on a 1-2 day excursion, a member of the Actuality team will edit the video, creating a rough cut. Upon returning, students will review the rough cut, offer feedback, and gain insights into the editing process. Photography students will also finalize their work during this time.

Screening – The project concludes with a community screening where both the group video and individual photography projects are presented.

This experience goes beyond filmmaking, fostering ethical collaboration, developing practical skills, and using storytelling to connect with and contribute to the community. Students will gain a deeper understanding of documentary work and the impact of their creative efforts.

EXCURSION

OPTIONS

ANTIGUA WALKING TOUR

Explore Antigua’s streets and discover how local communities are preserving cultural heritage while navigating its complex past as a former colonial center.

COMMUNITY COFFEE FARM TOUR

Explore a small, local coffee farm near Antigua. See how farmers handcraft their beans and sell directly to consumers, creating sustainable incomes and supporting their communities.

CHOCOLATE MAKING WORKSHOP

Discover the art of chocolate-making by participating in a hands-on workshop. Learn about cacao’s cultural significance in Guatemala while crafting your own chocolate.

PACAYA VOLCANO HIKE

Hike up the active Pacaya Volcano for spectacular views of flowing lava and volcanic landscapes. A unique adventure for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

VILLAGE-TO-VILLAGE HIKE

Embark on a scenic hike between the villages of Tzununa and Santa Cruz along Lake Atitlan, taking in breathtaking views of the lake and volcanoes while exploring indigenous communities.

TUK TUK VILLAGE TOUR

Hop into a tuk tuk and explore the colorful lakeside villages of Santa Catarina and San Antonio Palopó, known for their traditional weaving, pottery, and stunning hillside views.

ZIPLINING AT NATURE RESERVE

Soar above the treetops with a thrilling zipline adventure at the nature reserve on Lake Atitlan, offering panoramic views of the lake and lush forests below.

MAYAN ARTISTS TOUR

Discover the vibrant art scene in San Juan La Laguna, meeting local Maya artists who specialize in traditional painting, weaving, and natural dyeing techniques.

SUGGESTED

ITINERARY

Upon arrival in Guatemala, your group will be greeted by a private driver who will transport you to our guesthouse, conveniently located near the historic center of Antigua. After settling in, a local guide will lead us on a walking tour of Antigua’s charming streets, offering insights into its rich history, architecture, and cultural heritage. The evening will conclude with a welcome dinner, where the group can come together to discuss the exciting week ahead.

We’ll start the day with a series of workshops focused on documentary storytelling, specifically tailored to exploring themes of Maya cultural resilience. These sessions will equip your students with the necessary skills to document the stories of the local organization we’ll be collaborating with. In the afternoon, the group will choose between a visit to a local coffee farm or a hands-on chocolate workshop, both offering a deeper connection to the region’s agricultural and cultural traditions.

Today, we’ll engage directly with a local cultural organization dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Maya traditions. The morning will be spent learning about their mission, meeting community leaders, and understanding the ongoing efforts to sustain Maya culture in the face of modernization. This hands-on research will provide crucial context for the stories we’ll be telling. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the guesthouse for a group discussion and production meeting to plan the documentary approach, ensuring that everyone is aligned and ready to move forward with the project.

We’ll return to the organization to conduct in-depth interviews with key individuals, including cultural leaders and community members whose stories will form the core of our documentary. These interviews will help students understand the personal and societal impact of cultural preservation efforts. In addition to interviews, we’ll document the organization’s environment and activities, further enriching the narrative. The afternoon will be dedicated to reviewing the day’s material and discussing our progress, focusing on refining storytelling techniques.

We’ll spend the day documenting the visual elements that bring our stories to life, focusing on capturing the essence of the organization’s daily activities and its impact on the community. This could include documenting cultural workshops, performances, or community rituals. After returning to the guesthouse, the group will review the material and begin planning the next steps in the post-production process, ensuring that the narrative is cohesive and impactful.

Today, we’ll take a break from our documentary work to explore the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Lake Atitlan. The overnight trip will include scenic views of the lake, opportunities for swimming, and visits to the surrounding villages. Students will have time to relax, reflect, and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. 

After breakfast by the lake, we’ll return to Antigua. The Actuality team, who have been editing the documentary during our lake excursion, will lead a workshop to review the rough cut. They’ll explain the editing process, and the group can provide feedback, which the editor will incorporate before the evening screening. The day concludes with a screening of the completed documentary, followed by a wrap party to celebrate the project’s success.

After a final breakfast at the guesthouse, the group will gather for reflections and farewells, sharing key takeaways from the trip. Following this, pre-arranged transport will be ready to take everyone to the airport for the journey home.

START YOUR

JOURNEY

STEP 1

Schedule a call with us to brainstorm ideas for your trip.

STEP 2

Receive your custom trip proposal ready for University approval.

STEP 3

Get ready to travel the world and inspire your students.

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