WRAP REPORT: STORYTELLING EXPEDITION TO GUATEMALA 2023
In July 2023, a group of nine intrepid storytellers embarked on a unique expedition to Guatemala. More than just a travel experience, it was a journey destined to become an odyssey into the heart of documentary storytelling. Each location, from the cobblestoned streets of Antigua to the serene waters of Lake Atitlan, served as a canvas for their adventure and their narratives. Organized by Actuality Abroad, with guidance on the ground by a local guide from Etnica Travel, this undertaking was not just about documenting important stories. It was about immersion, understanding, and the pursuit of authentic narratives that resonate with the soul of the places and people they encountered.
DAY ONE - ARRIVAL IN ANTIGUA + BEGINNING THE JOURNEY
On a bustling weekend in July, nine individuals with a passion for storytelling convened in Antigua, Guatemala. Their anticipation was high, not just for the destinations but for the unknown adventures ahead. The day was spent in practical preparations, exploring the local scenery, and bonding over dinner at a unique restaurant. This initial gathering laid the groundwork for the collaborative experience to follow. Eight travelers came from around the world, and one Producer from Actuality Abroad led the way.
DAY TWO - THE TREK TO LANQUIN + GETTING INTO THE MINDSET
Early the next morning our crew – including an Actuality Producer and a local Etnica Travel expert guide – embarked on the first leg of the journey, traveling to Lanquin. The long drive was a mix of personal introductions, discussions on documentary filmmaking, and contemplations on ethical storytelling – all set against a backdrop of Guatemala’s changing landscapes. The first of many long travels was celebrated with an afternoon trip to the wondrous natural swimming pools of Semuc Champey.
DAY THREE - EXPLORING TUQTUQUILAL
The third day was dedicated to Tuqtuquilal, a hub for sustainable agriculture. The group’s learning curve was steep, diving into the intricacies of cacao and sugar cane production. They split into teams, each focusing on different aspects of the farm, from filming a micro-documentary to capturing stills photographs. The day was marked by adaptability, as unforeseen challenges like a power outage in Lanquin tested their resourcefulness. By the end of the day they arrived back to the hotel exhausted, happy, and ready to great the ninth traveler of their team whose shuttle had finally arrived.
DAY FOUR - ONWARD TO RIO DULCE + TEST OF RESILIENCE + FIRST PROJECTS
The journey to Rio Dulce presented the longest travel segment of the expedition. It included stops at both majestic viewpoints and longed-for gas station minimarts. Unexpected challenges did arise – a storm came on just as the van arrived to port and the captain ushered our crew quickly onto his boat. They next half hour was spent tightly clinging to the tarps keeping our crew dry as their boat raced ahead of the lighting and rain to make it to the small island they would call home for the next two days. Through these memorable shared experiences the group’s ability to adapt and work together grew and solidified. The day concluded with an introduction to Ak’Tenamit, setting the stage for the next day’s documentary focus.
DAY FIVE - ENGAGING WITH AK'TENAMIT + DIVERSE STORY ANGLES
At Ak’Tenamit, a development center, the crew delved into various aspects of local education and sustainability practices. The focus was on capturing the essence of the center, from culinary students to education programs to drone footage of the island. The day balanced productive filming with moments of relaxation at a unique restaurant atop docks on the low water – nothing quite caps a day like a delicious meal, and a hammock chair suspended amongst the quiet serenity of a mangrove forest.
DAY SIX - DISCOVERING QUIRIGUA + LINKS TO THE PAST
Along the route to San Antonio Aguas Calientes, the group stopped to visit to the Quirigua Archaeological Park. A local professor on site provided historical perspective and contextual commentary that, enriched the crew’s understanding of Mayan civilization. This experience added a cultural dimension to their storytelling by offering insights into Guatemala’s rich heritage.
DAY SEVEN - CHOKOJOL JUYU + WEAVING TRADITIONS
Chokojol Juyu is a weaving education center led by a trio of local artisan women. The focus at the center was on documenting the traditional weaving processes in practice, the process of teaching local youth, and the inspring narratives of the founders. This chapter of the journey highlighted the importance of cultural preservation and offered a more intimate glimpse into the local community.
DAY EIGHT - LAKE ATITLAN + IMMERSIVE HOMESTAY EXPERIENCES
The arrival at Lake Atitlán and the ensuing homestays provided a deeper, more personal experience of local life by giving travelers a chance to chat one-on-one with locals practiced in communicating their stories to other travelers. The team’s interaction with Santa Cruz Jo’ and the homestay hosts offered valuable insights into community tourism and local lifestyles, enriching their documentary content.
DAY NINE - SANTA CRUZ JO' + AMPLIFYING COMMUNITY SPIRIT
As a local tourism organization, Santa Cruz Jo’ organizes workshops in locals’ homes. In documenting the efforts of the Santa Cruz Jo’ team, our group showcased the importance of community-led tourism initiatives. The team’s work involved conducting interviews and filming the vibrancy of the town, thereby providing a comprehensive view of the organization’s impact.
DAY TEN TO THIRTEEN - EDITING IN ANTIGUA
The final chapters of the expedition saw the team wrapping up their documentary work, from conducting last-minute interviews on the actual shoreline of Lake Atitlan, to beginning post-production activities in Antigua. These days were a blend of focused work and exploration, allowing the team to reflect on their experiences and the stories they had gathered.
As the expedition reached its end, a sense of accomplishment was palpable. The days spent traversing diverse landscapes, engaging with local communities, and delving into the nuances of documentary storytelling had fostered a unique bond among the group. The expedition was more than just a journey across Guatemala; it was a journey into the heart of storytelling, capturing the essence of diverse narratives and the power of collective creativity.
DAY FOURTEEN - DEPARTURE
The final chapters of the expedition saw the team wrapping up their documentary work, from conducting last-minute interviews on the actual shoreline of Lake Atitlan, to beginning post-production activities in Antigua. These days were a blend of focused work and exploration, allowing the team to reflect on their experiences and the stories they had gathered.
With cameras away and bags packed – the team members went in small groups to Guatemala City, each member taking with them not just footage and photographs, but a wealth of experiences and learnings from their storytelling expedition. The shared experiences, challenges overcome, and the stories documented marked a transformative journey for each participant.
In the end, the expedition was not just about the stories documented with cameras, but also about the personal stories each member would carry with them. The experience is a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging cultures, fostering understanding, and bringing to light the diverse tapestry of human experiences. As they returned to their individual lives, the participants carried with them not only the tangible outputs of their work but also the intangible impact of a shared journey that transcended geographical boundaries and cultural differences.
