Prepare to be fascinated and inspired by I Died (or “Li Cham”), an extraordinary documentary directed by the talented Ana Ts’uyeb. This film documentary, told entirely in the hauntingly beautiful Maya-Tzotzil language, takes you on an emotional journey through the lives of three remarkable Tzotzil women in rural Mexico. They bravely recount their harrowing experiences of loss and survival, deeply affected by patriarchal violence that has shattered their families. Recently, this powerful film clinched the prestigious Ojo Award for Best Mexican Documentary Feature Film at Hot Docs 2025.
The documentary focuses on how these women began to rebuild their lives with the help of the Zapatista movement—an Indigenous political group that brought gender equality laws to their region. Through personal voiceovers, including from the director’s own family, we learn how women who were once denied land, education, and respect found new purpose in working their land and teaching the next generation.
Visually, the film captures the rural landscape with care—showing farming, hand-weaving, and scenes of daily life. The quiet sounds of the environment help immerse the viewer in the setting. However, the pacing can feel slow, and at times the story could have used more narration or structure to give clarity—especially for those unfamiliar with the Zapatista movement.
While the film doesn’t explore activism or politics in depth, it offers a personal perspective on the evolution of women’s roles and opportunities over time. One scene features an older woman declaring, “I own this land,” which encapsulates the subtle changes the film aims to highlight. That moment was a turning point for me; it made me realize that the director wasn’t merely documenting trauma—she was showcasing empowerment. Through scenes of women harvesting, carrying heavy wood, grinding corn, and navigating hills and rivers, you can truly feel their resilience. Yes, the Zapatista movement played a role, but it was their persistence that enabled the younger generation to grow up respectful, educated, and deeply connected to their roots.
I Died is not yet available on streaming platforms. It’s a heartfelt and introspective documentary about grief, identity, and the transformative power of change. Truly inspiring. It is presented through the poignant lens of women whose voices often go unheard.
Listen to the audio review here:
