This film is a documentary about a controversial Maya deity who personifies good and evil simultaneously. Maximon, also known as a San Simon, or the drinking and smoking saint of Guatemala, is a mixture of ancient Maya beliefs and Christianity. The movie concentrates on the people who surround Maximon with their strong personalities, opinions and faith. Maximon is honored and loved because he performs miracles, but he is also feared and despised because he is used to cast curses that can result in death. Giving us a rare view into the rituals and fiestas honoring Maximon, the documentary leads us on a journey that is both joyous and terrifying. Ultimately Maximon transcends the duality of good and evil, reflecting the Maya cosmovision in which everything in the universe co-exists.
Screening time: Saturday, May 16, 12:23 pm (Session 2)
Length: 66 min.
Country: Guatemala
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
Director: Robert Flanagan
Producer: Suzan AL-Doghachi
Producer Web site: www.maximonmovie.com
Distributor: AJAX FILMS
Distributor Web site: www.maximonmovie.com
Awards/Selections:
Cooperacion Espanola Antigua Guatemala - world premiere February 5th, 2014
Casa del Rio, Antigua Guatemala - February 15th, 2014
Cenrto Cultural de Espana en Guatemala, Guatemala City - March 11th, 2014
Cooperacion Espanola Antigua Guatemala - April 9th, 2014
Centro Cultural Casa No’j, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala - August 28th, 2014
Galeria, Panachajel, Guatemala - August 29th 2014