UMiami Field Study to Guatemala (2024)
Wrap Report
In March 2024, a group of documentary film students from the University of Miami traveled to Guatemala for a Field Study program with Actuality Abroad. Their mission: to tell stories aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by documenting community projects in the towns surrounding Antigua. The students quickly connected with locals, recording key activities and conducting interviews. Their goal was to gather the footage needed to craft compelling documentary films that would share these important stories with a global audience.
LOCATION
La Antigua, Guatemala, is just a short drive from the airport in Guatemala City. Once the capital of all Latin America, it’s rich with Maya history and vibrant Guatemalan culture. A favorite destination for travelers from around the world, Antigua also serves as a familiar base for the University of Miami’s partnership with Actuality Abroad.
As a hub for the region, Antigua sees a constant flow of visitors—both international tourists and Guatemalans from nearby villages who come to work. On any given day, the number of tourists often exceeds that of locals, with tourism fueling much of the city’s economy. The bus depot on the western edge of town is always bustling, as workers and visitors move in and out of the city.
Despite its popularity, many families in the surrounding areas still face challenges, lacking access to basic services and necessities. With limited economic infrastructure and minimal government support, locals and foreigners alike have stepped in to help. The Panchoy Valley, where Antigua sits, is home to many nonprofits, NGOs, and social enterprises working to improve the lives of local residents.
STORYTELLING PROJECTS
Work on two storytelling projects began even before the University of Miami group arrived in Guatemala. Through video calls and emails, the crews started researching local organizations to better understand their work and their impact on the communities around Antigua.
Eco Farms GT, based in the neighboring community of San Felipe de Jesús, focuses on organic agriculture and community practices rooted in Maya tradition. The farm features a public produce market and café, frequented by families who bring their children for educational classes. For over a decade, Eco Farms GT has been growing healthy crops and hosting community-building events that strengthen ties within the local area.
Amor Animal, located in Santa Catarina Barahona, is dedicated to animal welfare. The organization operates a clinic and runs programs that support both street dogs and the pets of low-income families. Amor Animal evolved from Small Change 4 Big Change, a citizens’ empowerment program that Actuality Abroad had previously documented. During COVID, the demand for their pet clinic surged, prompting the organization to shift its focus. Today, Amor Animal is witnessing a transformative shift in how Guatemalans view animal rights and welfare.
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI CREW
The Department of Cinematic Arts at the University of Miami has partnered with Actuality Abroad for numerous study abroad trips to Guatemala, dating back to 2013. This year marked the second time students from the new M.F.A. program in Documentary participated, and it was the first time Professor Sanjeev Chatterjee traveled with the crews. Under his guidance, the crews focused specifically on stories aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Research and Production
The University of Miami crews arrived in Guatemala City together and were quickly greeted by an Actuality Field Guide’ who brought them to Antigua. They soon found themselves immersed in a visually stunning environment—perfect for documentary filmmaking. With its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and towering volcanoes, Antigua offered a dynamic backdrop for their work. After settling into their locally-owned hotel, the students took some time to explore the markets, visit the central park, and find nearby ATMs.
With just a week to both work and experience local culture, our Field Guide made sure to kick things off with a dinner at one of our favorite restaurants—Montagú. Although the crew members already knew each other from school, the evening was filled with excitement as they discussed their plans for the week over a delicious meal.
With just five days for research and production, there was no time to waste—especially since finding the right balance between researching and filming was crucial. Simply showing up with a camera is never the best way to make a first impression, so on the first day, the crews split up—our Field Guide leading one crew and the Professor leading the other—visiting the organizations without gear to build rapport.
Even with pre-research before the trip, the first day is always one of the hardest. Everyone needed to get on the same page quickly, and protagonists for the films had to be identified by the next day. For this to happen, all stakeholders needed a clear understanding of what was required to complete a film.
After a long day—one crew touring the farm, the other visiting the clinic and key locations—the teams returned to Antigua and their hotel. Some took the opportunity to rest, while others ventured out to explore. Since both breakfast and dinner were arranged for the short field study, the group gathered again after settling in and followed our Field Guide to another favorite restaurant for the evening.
The next day, the Professor and Field Guide swapped crews, and the work pressed on. New people were met for additional research, and our local collaborators sat down with the teams to discuss the stories the crews had developed, ensuring their goals were aligned and setting plans for filming over the next three days.
Over the next three days, the crews returned to their project sites, this time equipped with gear and a clear plan for filming. The Professor and Field Guide continued swapping between teams, while the graduate student assisting them moved wherever extra help was needed. Our Field Guide played a dual role—capturing behind-the-scenes photos while also filming impressive drone footage that the crews could incorporate into their documentaries.
The Amor Animal crew focused their filming at the animal clinic and in the adjacent compound, where the organization hosts educational classes and maintains a small farm. They also visited local homes and businesses in Santa Catarina Barahona and the nearby town of San Antonio Aguas Calientes, aiming to highlight the personal impact Amor Animal has on the community. The crew wanted to showcase how locals had been affected by the organization’s efforts, filming them in their personal environments. The long days of filming kept the crew out in the towns well past dark, making for intense but rewarding work.
For the Eco Farms crew, work started extra early each day. They arrived at the farm before regular hours to set up for filming. The crew interviewed multiple staff members about their work, as well as foreign volunteers participating in farm programs. With so many plants, animals, and sustainable farming practices to document, they worked hard to ensure they had all the footage needed for their film. Though plans shifted several times during production, the on-site café provided a convenient spot for the team to meet, regroup, and plan their next steps before resuming filming.
By the end of the week, with filming complete, the crews had a little time to pick up souvenirs and pack their bags for the journey home. Just seven days after arriving in Guatemala, they returned to the airport and boarded their flight back to Miami. Once home, they quickly shifted into post-production to begin editing their documentary films.
THE FILMS (SO FAR)
CREW EXPERIENCE
I loved how packed the itinerary was for the Storytelling Expedition. It made me feel like even though I was there on a workshop, I was still able to see much of the country and get to know it intimately. I also love that at the end of the trip, I have the documentary to look back to.
Travelling with Actuality Abroad was an all round fantastic experience. I had amazing support from the company and met the most amazing people while staying in Vietnam. As a learning experience it was the perfect balance between detailed tutorials and just straight up being thrown in the deep end. I also liked that the program is so centered around making positive changes around the world and supporting local businesses.
My expectations were beyond exceeded. I was a little hesitant at first because I wasn’t sure how the structure of the program was going to work especially with such a short time frame. I’ve never made a documentary in 4 weeks and it was also my first time being a cinematographer. I personally really enjoyed the freedom we had, but there was always a safety I felt knowing I was there with a program. Reflecting back now I can say that being in Vietnam and having this opportunity is the best thing I’ve done so far.
CONCLUSION
Led by their accomplished professor and hailing from a distinguished film program, the University of Miami crews arrived well-prepared for their documentary projects. With the support of Actuality Abroad, they connected with impactful changemakers and important community projects. Under the guidance of our Field Guide, they navigated the various corners of southern Guatemala, conducting their research and filming everything they needed. Once completed, their films will continue a decade-long tradition of UM students producing changemaker-centered documentaries in partnership with Actuality Abroad.