The Soul of Guatemala is a series of short films and stories about life and the human spirit. It is a film by Nic Askew and Edwin Escobar (CALI I). These short films capture one hundred stories of ordinary people from Guatemala, whose histories and anecdotes encapsulate the soul of the country.

CALI I Fellow, Edwin Escobar has traveled all around the country and has managed to depict the essence, the magic and resolve the Guatemalan people in these film series.

An introduction to ´The Soul of Guatemala’
by Nic Askew

Earlier in the year I took an instinctive decision to accept an invitation to talk to a group in the States I had never heard of. It turned out to be MIT in Boston. They seem to be quite well known. I had no idea.

From this encounter, an invitation presented itself to film the Guatemalan Presidential candidate Alejandro Giammattei. I accepted without question. A 'politician' acting from somewhere very different.

A few days into this assignment, it struck me that I could capture the soul of this country on film.
I am not sure why it occurred to me, or even if a reason is needed. I had never intended this outcome. I'd had no ambition.

But there is something extraordinary about Guatemala. It is hidden amongst the obvious suspects. It is subtle. I recognized 'it' but cannot yet put this recognition into words. But I believe it is possible to capture on film.

So, I mentioned the possibility to my good friend Edwin Escobar, who was at the wheel of his oversized GM truck at the time. I was in the passenger seat. A single phone call was made, an immediate decision and the project was on. Together, Edwin and I are to travel the country looking for the soul of Guatemala. I believe, with the help of our friend Maria Isabel.

There is no plan. How could there be, short of being there with a camera and an willingness to see. And I am not sure how this is going to work or even what language it will be in. Actually, there is no specific 'why'. It is just because.

Perhaps the soul of a country is what lies within. Beneath the surface yet always there. Evident in its people, if you care to gaze in the right fashion. Perhaps the soul of a country is what it is capable of being. And this is the next adventure I would like you to join me on in my blog: http://www.monday9am.tv/monday9amblog/the_soul_of_guatemala/index.html, where I will attempt updates every few days, internet connection allowing. Words, audio and of course, film.

Check back every few days, or join the film alert and I will update you each monday morning.

Excerpts from the director’s blog
It seems the world wants the opportunity to speak from the soul. About its soul.

Perhaps we don't allow ourselves the opportunity. And perhaps that is our own responsibility, rather than the situations we imagine 'don't' encourage the opportunity.

Perhaps the cathartic experience of being heard fully might provoke something. Might start something. A change in perspective. A change in fortune. Perhaps even the change of a nation's experience.

How might the soul of a person with the opportunity to be heard allow itself to dance? And then, how might the soul of a country allow itself to dance?

For more information visit:
http://www.elalmadeguatemala.blogspot.com/
and
http://www.monday9am.tv/monday9amblog/the_soul_of_guatemala/index.html