Synopsis
After years of living in the United States, a filmmaker returns to her hometown in Mexico to document the nurturing relationship between her community and the maguey, an endemic plant that has sustained their way of life for generations. As she witnesses the deep-rooted bond built on mutual care, she reflects on her transformed identity and confronts the complex emotions surrounding her decision to leave.
From the Director
The maguey is a plant that has been a pillar of many communities like mine, in Mexico. For generations, my family has preserved this generous plant and made use of the many resources it offers to the community: from the aguamiel used to make pulque, to the firewood for cooking.
As I observed my community’s relationship with the maguey, I began reflecting on my own journey as an immigrant. Adapting to a new land is never easy, and I found myself questioning: Where do I belong?
Meyolotl is a personal documentary that explores my community’s efforts to preserve the maguey, while I’m embracing a transformed version of my identity.
Key Personnel
Lorena R. Valencia – Director / Producer
Lorena R. Valencia is an Emmy-winning Mexican-New Yorker filmmaker whose work focuses on
issues such as reproductive rights, identity, and power dynamics. She is a member of NY
NATAS, NYWIFT, Brown Girls Doc Mafia, and the Video Consortium. Her narrative short
“Cuanacaquilitl (Dandelion)” won the National Board of Review Student Award and screened at
several festivals, including the Morelia International Film Festival. A fellow of Tomorrow’s
Filmmakers Today and Manhattan Neighborhood Network, Lorena is currently developing her
feature debut “Mayahuel,” selected for the Storylines Workshop at Cine Qua Non Lab 2024.
Karla Pedraza Jasso – Producer
Mexican documentary filmmaker and Guadalajara Talents alumna (2023). Her production career
includes works such as Vaquero del Mediodía (2020) and La Evaluación (2022) by Diego
Enrique Osorno, nominated for an Ariel Award for Best Short Film, as well as A Plena Luz by
Alberto Arnaut (Netflix, 2022). Currently, she is collaborating with women on the development of
her directorial debut, Forajida: La mujer de las bestias heridas, a feature film centered on the life
and work of Elena Larrea. She is also producing Laura García Baeza’s first feature film, El
recuerdo tiene mala memoria, and Lorena R. Valencia’s short film, Meyolotl.
Rodrigo Hernandez – Postproducer / Executive Producer
Omar Lara – Executive Producer / DIT
Jose Grimaldo – Director of Photography
Rodrigo Garcia – 1st Assistant Camera
Amanda Granda – Sound Recordist
Rosa María Rodriguez – Production Manager
Lola Kenet – Co-Editor
Juan Blanco – Co-Editor
Ilse Serdan – Colorist
Sebastian Perez – Sound Designer
Juan Carlos Enriquez – Composer
