CHUJ BOYS OF SUMMER
SXSW Winner, Mayan Boys Journey To Colorado
The short film Chuj Boys of Summer looks into the lives of immigrants trying to make it in America. A teen from Guatemala moves to Colorado but only has his native language and meager job experience to get started here. The protagonist meets others in a similar situation. He also finds a job working at a local school as a janitor. He registers in a high school determined to assimilate. Here, he makes life choices, like moving his work schedule to nights, making time for classes, and staying focused on school. He decides to stay in America, even though his friend returns to Guatemala. He feels isolated, but it propels him toward living an independent life in suburban America. In this strange world, the teenager tries to make sense of a foreign culture. With friends, new opportunities are possible.
This film won the SXSW Special Jury Award, a National Board of Review Student Award, an NYU Graduate Film Wasserman/King Award, an incredible honor. Also, it premiered at Palm Springs Shortsfest, Aspen Shortsfest, Hamptons International Film Festival, Busan International, Short Film Festival, Cork International Film Festival, and Mountainfilm.
The film stars Yack Alux, is directed by Max Walker Silverman, and Marcos Ordoñez Ixwalanhkej Mendoza writes it. The cinematography is beautiful, featuring many close-up shots of the characters to incorporate the viewer into their world. This movie is a feat of short filmmaking and offers a powerful perspective, and the disparity one feels when adopting a new culture. The world is small, but each step in a new place encourages introspection, work, and thought, creating opportunities. PROVOKR believes this is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the immigrant experience.
