The documentary reveals how families maintain Maya cultural traditions. (photo courtesy of Brady Skye)
The award-winning documentary “Beyond the Ruins,” which explores contemporary Maya culture through the experiences of Indigenous families in Mexico, will hold a red-carpet premiere at Lumiere Cinema in Beverly Hills on Friday, Nov. 13.
Directed by Brady Skye, the feature-length film follows an American traveler into Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, beginning at the archaeological site of Cobá before shifting its focus to the daily lives of two Indigenous Maya families.
Through their experiences, the documentary examines how families maintain cultural traditions, spiritual practices and connections to the natural world. The film was developed in collaboration with members of the local Maya community.
Skye said his experiences with the families influenced his approach to documentary storytelling, leading him to emphasize their perspectives on gratitude, adversity and community rather than traditional narratives centered on conflict.
The production involved several members of the Yucatecan Maya community, including Jesus Canul, founder of Eco Mayan Adventures, and local guides Rene Canul, Jose Cahum and Bernardo Can Chuc, who shared knowledge passed down through their families.
“I think it is important to understand that this is really their film, not mine,” Skye said.
“Beyond the Ruins” has received recognition at several international film festivals, including best documentary feature awards at the Orlando Film Festival and TravelFilm International Film Festival. The film also received awards for documentary filmmaking, editing, sound and cinematography at the Follywood Film Festival.
In addition to directing, Skye serves as the film’s narrator, aerial cinematographer and editor. The documentary features cinematography by Justin Wirtalla.
Red-carpet arrivals will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 13, followed by the screening at 8:30 p.m.
Tickets are available at lumierecinemala.com/films/beyond-the-ruins. Additional information is available at beyondtheruins-film.com.
