When a Tapir Gazes Upon You / Tania Álvarez

Tania Álvarez 
United Kingdom/Mexico/Belize
 
The Mayan Forest: 
When a Tapir Gazes Upon You, 2024
Film, 13:45 minutes
 
Álvarez’s film is a lyrical exploration of childhood, nature, and cultural memory, set against the backdrop of the Mayan forest. Following two groups of children on a journey to find the Central American Tapir (an endangered species deeply intertwined with the region’s ecosystems and traditions) their journey intertwines with the sound of the jungle, myths, and shared histories. Through this lyrical dialogue between nature and tradition, the film captures the deep connection between people, place, and echoes of the past. 
 
Through their films, Álvarez explores the relationships between people, animals, and landscapes, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation and environmental awareness. Through a poetic blend of myth, memory, and environmental storytelling, Álvarez crafts a hopeful narrative that not only raises awareness about species preservation but also emphasizes the deep, interwoven relationship between communities and their natural surroundings.
 
Tania Álvarez is a Mexican documentary filmmaker, director, and producer currently completing her thesis at the National School of Cinematographic Arts. Through her films, Álvarez seeks to deepen our connection with nature and the animal world.