Kickstarter

A DOCUMENTARY FILM ABOUT THE DESCENDANTS OF THE INCA

This film project is about one of the most important ancient Incan sites called Saqsaywaman.  This site is not as well known as Machu Picchu despite the fact that it was the epicenter of the Inca Empire between 1438 to the mid 1500's.  This documentary follows the modern day lives of the descendants of the Inca, who still live on this active archaeological site, as they fight to modernize their communities that sit on top of ancient stone ruins. 

The narrative of the film comes from the tension that was created when this conflict between Stone & People started in 1995.  In that year, the Ministry of Culture developed a Master Plan for the archaeological park and overnight the boundaries of the site were expanded to include five communities.  This film is about three of those communities (Fortaleza, Pucara & Huayllarqocha) the members of which want to build homes, roads and infrastructure so they can enter the 21st Century.  The Ministry of Culture has strict rules about modernization and finds itself navigating the complex space between site preservation and community development.  This film is documenting this conflict from the perspective of both the community members and the Ministry park management.

OUR DOCUMENTARY FILM IS AT A CRUCIAL STAGE:  As of August 2012, the tension between the communities and the park officials is so HIGH that meetings between two sides are almost impossible.  One community continues to build homes without the permission of the park management which is fueling the already growing conflict.  Our ethnographic documentary film has been one way the two groups have been communicating with each other and our work is needed now more than ever! 

This human drama does not have a good or bad side.  Both groups of people are made up of individuals who are the descendants of the Inca culture.  They all want the site preserved for humanity.  How to preserve the site while modernizing communities and building homes is the challenge.

YOUR DONATION WILL RESULT IN AN HOUR LONG DOCUMENTARY:  Your funding will make it possible for our small film crew to live on the Saqsaywaman site for six (6) months.  Filming this type of modern day conflict between modernization and conservation has never been done before.  Your donation will enable us to produce an hour long documentary about this important Incan archaeological site; one of the few in the world where the descendants of the original culture still live there. 

NEXT PHASE OF FILMING WILL BE COMPLEX AND WILL REQUIRE FULL TIME ENGAGEMENT:  At this point, we will need to embed ourselves within in the situation 24/7 to finish Episode #1 of Stone & People.  Our team is made up of people who have been committed to this ethnographic documentary for the last two years.  Many of us have spent our own money to keep it going.  Your donation will help us all to continue this important work by living in Peru so we can film at Saqsaywaman daily.

NOTE FROM MAREN ELWOOD - ETHNOGRAPHIC FILMMAKER:  Those of you who know me know that I've been producing anthropological consumer documentaries for over 20 years.  It's been my dream to use my skills as a visual anthropologist and ethnographic filmmaker in Peru and this project has fulfilled that dream.  When we started on this project in 2010, I thought we were just filming a stakeholders meeting between the two groups.  The project has turned into a much bigger effort to use ethnographic film to document the day-to-day complexity of archaeological site management when the ruins to be preserved are within living communities. I am truly honored to be working on this film.

As I move from my focus on consumer research to academic field work and teaching, I could not have asked for a better opportunity to use ethnographic film in Peru.  I hope you will find the details about the ethnographic documentary (below) interesting and that you will network this site around to your friends, family and colleagues.  The power of film and the internet to raise awareness about our project will be as much a part of the film narrative as the conflict between the people living and managing the Saqsaywaman site.

Thank you for your time and assistance,

Maren Lee Elwood
President  - On-Site Productions
Producer - Stone & People

DETAILS OF ETHNOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTARY

STONE & PEOPLE is a documentary film about one of the most important archaeological sites in Peru called Saqsaywaman.  The borders of this archaeological site were increased in 1995 and overnight five (5) communities found themselves living on an active archaeological park.  The result has been a growing conflict between the descendents of the Inca, who live in these communities and want to modernize, and the Ministry of Culture of Peru, whose mandate is to preserve the site for humanity. 

This conflict between Stone & People is common on many archaeological sites around the world.  What is unique about this conflict is that we are filming the day-to-day complexities of balancing the desire to modernize with the need to preserve sites for posterity. 

WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
We have been using film to document this conflict for over two years and we finally have the trust of both the Ministry of Culture and three of the communities within the park to finish our project.  Both sides have asked us to come down for six (6) months to embed ourselves in the conflict so we can record the process and finish Episode #1 of Stone & People.  This next step will take funding and that's where you can help us finish this ethnographic documentary.

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT SAQSAYWAMAN
Stone ruins are often the only vestiges we have left from which to learn about our human history.  Writing the history of the Americas has been slow due to destruction wrought by disease, internal and external conflict, and the ravages of time.  The history of South America is particularly slow to emerge given the almost complete destruction of ancient sites due to the Spanish conquest, looting and modern day building.  However, recent finds in Peru, Boliva, and Brazil have expanded our understanding of human development and show that there were thriving, advanced and sophisticated cultures living in South America.  And, Peru was home to many of these ancient people.  The site of this film is Saqsaywaman, once the epicenter of the Inca culture.  

OUR FILM CONTINUES TO TELL THE STORY OF SITE DESTRUCTION
Part of our film will be to tell the story of the physical destruction of Saqsaywaman.  This history started when the Spanish arrived in the 1500's and brought with them disease, a thirst for gold, and the belief that only demons could have built such a monumental structure.  The Spanish could not fathom that the Inca were capable of working stone of such magnitude.  Thus, in 1537 the Spanish ordered the stones of Saqsaywaman be removed to build their cathedrals and buildings in Cusco.  The destruction of this site continued to the 1950's with many local people using the ruins as a quarry.  Our film continues to write history in visual text and illuminate the modern day reality of this important Pervian archaeological site.

Today, only 15% of the walls of the main complex at Saqsaywaman remain.  This layer of mammoth stones are some of the biggest ever quarried around the world.  Many don't realize that the stones at this site make those at Machu Picchu look like toy blocks.  Our film will bring this site to life with dramatic pans of the main wall as well as other features of this ancient site. 

Currently, the Ministry of Culture of Peru works to protect the site from erosion, tourist activity and the threat of community modernization...the subject of this film.  Communities that want to build homes, roads, tend their fields and link to the outside world can't be blamed for their desire to enter the 21st Century.  However, the simple act of plowing a potato field can undermine a centuries old Inca wall.  And that wall may be part of a larger complex that could shed light on the overall role Saqsaywaman played in Inca history.  Our film will shine a bright light on the daily life of the ruins as they live within active community life.

SAQSAYWAMAN HOLDS IMPORTANT CLUES
Much more work needs to be done to say with certainty what Saqsaywaman looked like and just how the Inca moved the massive stones that remain at the site today.  The hypothetical recreation of the Muyukmarca structure seen in our Kickstarter video is just that...hypothetical.  Why?  Because archaeological work on the site is really just beginning.  It is estimated that there are over 200 important ruins, temples, and structures that still have to be studied at Saqsaywaman...many of which are in and around active community settlements.  Inca mummies and golden treasures still elude discovery.   So, that's where you come in.  By donating to our project, you will help us continue to film Saqsaywaman site and bring the human and archaeological drama to life.

HOW DID THIS ETHNOGRAPHIC FILM PROJECT START?
My name is Maren Elwood and this project started when I decided to go back to school in my 50's to get my Masters in Visual Anthropology.  For those who don't know what visual anthropology is, it's the study of cultures using film.  Visual anthropologists are called ethnographers and many produce ethnographic documentary films. 

I've been producing ethnographic consumer documentaries for 20 years for companies like General Motors, Clairol and government agencies such as the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Navy.  So, when I reached the age of 50 I decided that instead of retire, I'd like to use my documentary film skills in Peru.  Why Peru?  I've had a passion for Peru since I was a child when I read the Conquest of Peru and learned of the fascinating Inca culture. 

Over the years, I dreamed of visiting Peru and using my skills as an ethnographic filmmaker there.  When I decided to do my Masters, I needed a documentary film project as my thesis.  I was lucky to be invited to film a stakeholders meeting in Peru at Saqsaywaman.  Little did I know that a simple film engagement to cover that meeting would turn into a five year long, life changing film project.

In 2010, I funded our first trip to Peru, accompanied by a small film crew, to document the stakeholders meeting between the Ministry of Culture park management staff and the five (5) communities that live on the site.  We arrived expecting to spend 10 days and finish the project over the next couple of months.  Instead, the situation between the communities and the Ministry was so contentious that the meeting was cancelled.  Instead, we were invited by the Ministry to use film as a way to record the conflict.  This work has continued for two years...and I have continued to fund the effort myself.

Initially, each side was leery of our intentions.  The communities were concerned we were aligned with the Ministry.  The Ministry was concerned that we just wanted to make money with a film.  It has taken us two years, many trips to Peru and screening our films to both groups to finally earn the title of an impartial film crew.  As of August 2012, we are ready to take the next step and embed ourselves into the communities and the Ministry office to continue documenting what now is a really heated situation.

THE CONFLICT IS HEATING UP
In January of 2012, we presented our 30 minute pilot to the community members as well as hosted a meeting with the Ministry of Culture.  The film was received well and we were asked to come back soon and continue to document the situation at Saqsaywaman.

We were also invited to cover another community meeting in Fortaleza where home building has been increasing without the permission of the Ministry.   The result:  The Ministry of Culture felt they had no other choice than to confiscate the building materials that had been purchased by the residents of Fortaleza.  This prompted quite a bit of anger among the residents of this community and our cameras captured their frustration.  It was an honor to be trusted to cover the event.

OUR ETHNOGRAPHIC FILM MUST NOT TAKE SIDES
Even though it's easy to take sides when watching our film and feel for the community members who want to modernize, it's important to keep in mind that this whole documentary wouldn't be possible without the partnership of the park management staff at Saqsaywaman.  In the two years we've been working with them, they have shown a commitment to the documentary as a way to honor both the living and stone culture of Saqsaywaman park. 

FUNDING STRATEGY - BECOME THE AIRSTREAM ANTHROPOLOGIST
Initially, I thought I could fund this project myself given that the original objective was to film one meeting.  Thus, when I moved to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California (USC) I decided that I'd live in my classic Airstream RV to save money for the project.  However, the project has turned into a four year long documentary film project and I find myself still living in my Airstream.

I'd love to move my Airstream to Peru, but that's just not feasible.  Thus, moving to Peru for six (6) months will require more funding than I can provide.  I've been applying for grants, but those will probably not come through till Fall of 2013.  So, Kickstarter will be used to fund Phase II, our embed in Saqsaywaman between Fall 2012 through Spring 2013. The end result:  Episode #1 of Stone & People will be completed in the Fall of 2014.

PLANS FOR LIVING IN PERU 2012/2013
Starting November of 2012, I will be living in Peru with a small film crew to continue our work documenting the conflict between the indigenous communities and the Ministry of Culture.  We will be living in each community for one month and working almost daily with the Ministry of Culture to bring to film the complexity of site management at Saqsaywaman.  Embedding ourselves in this complex situation will take time, dedication and money.  We have the first two...we need your help with the funding. 

THE CREW
We have a dedicated group of individuals who all believe in this project, most of whom have worked the last couple of years for little pay.

PRIZE INFORMATION AND PHOTOS
We have tried to put together a list of rewards for your donations that give you a chance to experience some of the traditions of the Inca and get involved with our crew along the way.

Screening Receptions - The amount of information we have emassed about Saqsaywaman, Inca history and the current conflict is a fascinating story that takes more than just a few minutes to tell.  We have designed several screening receptions in the hopes that you'll come and meet us, learn about our work and the Inca culture.  Each of these events will be held at a great restaurant and will give us all time to meet each other and exchange ideas.  

Peru Surf Adventure - One of the most exciting rewards we have to offer is a surf adventure with one of our own crew members, Emma Role, who is a professional surf travel expert.  She has produced her own film about surf tourism 'They Come In Waves' and she'll be partnering with just a few people to take them on a surf trip in Peru.  Then, you'll join us in Cusco for a trip around Saqsaywaman and a visit with the rest of the crew. 

Live At The Archives Presentation At University Of Pennsylvania:  Our film research process has uncovered archival footage of Saqsaywaman that has been used in our pilot as well as to shed light on the growth of communities since 1936.  We have been invited to talk about the discovery, analysis and use of this archival footage at the University of Pennsylvania's Live At The Archives series in February 2013.  We will be showing comparisons of the Kate and Arthur Tode footage from 1936 to the present day site to illustrate the usefulness of archival footage in visual analysis. 

After this presentation we will host a reception for those of you who can join us in Pennsylvania.

Stone And People Coffee Table Photo Essay:  We have put together an ethnographic photo essay that explores the complex and emotional story of our filming at Saqsaywaman.  This book is a limited edition and will be signed by the crew to our patron.

Pago Designed For You:  We'll prepare a package of unique items for you use in your own Pago ceremony to honor your little bit of Mother Earth.  These packages will be purchased in Cusco from stores that specialize in this ceremony.  (Cocoa leaves, an integral part of the Peruvian ceremony, will not be included...for obvious reasons.)

Textiles - We will be buying traditional Inca table runners, that will be made by the community members of Huayllarqocha for one of our rewards.  This community is featured in the 30 minute pilot and they take pride in following traditional Inca weaving techniques and motifs.

Thank you for taking the time to read through all this material.  If you have more questions, please feel free to call:  Maren Elwood  831 238 5503