Popol Vuh: The Creation Myth of the Maya

Produced by Patricia Amlin. 60 min. Color. 1989. Available as: VHS and DVD Captioned: No Catalog #: 0018 Order this title Sale Price: $295.00 Apply for Discount

This much-honored animated film employs authentic imagery from ancient Maya ceramics to create a riveting depiction of the Popol Vuh, the Maya creation myth. Similar to the Biblical story of Genesis in its breadth, scope, and themes, the Popol Vuh is the origin of many myths and beliefs that spread throughout North America and formed the foundation of most Native American religious, philosophical, and ethical beliefs.

The film introduces the Maya and relates the entire tale, beginning with the creation of the world and concluding with the victory of the Hero Twins over the evil lords of the Underworld.

There are logical stopping places at quarter-hour intervals to facilitate viewing by younger students. See also "The Five Suns: A Sacred History of Mexico" by the same filmmaker.

Reviews

"A great and ground-breaking film." -- Prof. Michael Coe, Yale Univ.

"An artistic and intellectual triumph." -- Peter Allen, Prof. of Anthropology, Rhode Island College, in Archaeology

"This beautiful and historic film gives life to the mythic history and art of the Maya. Students and teachers of Native American culture, history, and literature must see it." -- Lawanna Trout, Director, Institute in American Indian Culture and History, The Newberry Library, Chicago

"Patricia Amlin has made this great Native American Indian myth one that a person of any age -- child, teenager, adult -- can appreciate. The film makes the tale accessible to a wide public not by diminishing it, but by visualizing it." -- Prof. Mary Miller, Yale Univ.

Awards

• Latin American Studies Assn. Award of Merit
• Society for Visual Anthropology Award
• CINE Golden Eagle Award
• Natl. Educational Film Festival Gold Apple Award
• Native American Film Festival honoree
• American Anthropological Assn. honoree