In “Resistance, Struggle, Sovereignty: Watch ‘Defensores de las Chinampas’, an Intimate New Documentary from Adventure.com,” readers are invited to explore how travelers can collaborate with local communities to protect and preserve their traditions and practices. The documentary takes audiences to Tláhuac, a borough on the outskirts of Mexico City, where the Rioja family has cultivated the region’s chinampas for 15 generations. With urban expansion and climate change threatening these man-made islands, tourism has emerged as an unexpected ally in safeguarding this ancient farming legacy. Produced by the Adventure.com team in Australia and filmed on-location by Hunter N. Johnson, the documentary showcases the Rioja family’s efforts to defend their cultural heritage. Adventure.com would like to extend their gratitude to Intrepid Travel and the Rioja family for making this documentary possible.
Table of Contents
Resistance, Struggle, Sovereignty: Watch ‘Defensores de las Chinampas’, an Intimate New Documentary from Adventure.com
In a rapidly changing world, it is crucial for travelers to work collaboratively with communities in order to defend their traditions, cultures, and practices that are essential for their survival. Adventure.com’s new documentary, “Defensores de las Chinampas,” takes viewers on a journey to Tláhuac, a borough on the edge of Mexico City, where they spend time with the Rioja family. The Riojas have been farming the chinampas, a series of small, man-made islands used for agricultural purposes, for 15 generations. However, with urban expansion and climate change posing threats to the chinampas’ existence, tourism has emerged as an unlikely ally in the fight to preserve this ancient legacy.
Overview
“Defensores de las Chinampas” is a documentary produced by Adventure.com that sheds light on the struggles faced by the Rioja family, who have been farming the chinampas for 15 generations. By highlighting their story, the documentary aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving these ancient agricultural practices and the role that tourism can play in achieving this.
Location
Tláhuac, a Borough on the Edge of Mexico City
The documentary takes place in Tláhuac, a borough located on the edge of Mexico City. This area is home to the chinampas, a unique agricultural system that has been cultivated by the Riojas for centuries. Tláhuac’s proximity to Mexico City makes it particularly vulnerable to the effects of urban expansion and climate change, posing a threat to the continued existence of the chinampas.
The Rioja Family
Farming the Chinampas for 15 Generations
For 15 generations, the Rioja family has been the custodians of the chinampas, utilizing their traditional farming techniques to sustain their livelihood. The documentary delves into the challenges they face and the resilience they demonstrate in protecting and preserving this ancient agricultural practice.
Tourism as an Ally
The Role of Tourism in Preserving the Chinampas
In a surprising twist, tourism has emerged as an ally in the preservation of the chinampas. Recognizing the value of these unique agricultural islands, tourists have begun visiting Tláhuac to experience the traditional farming practices firsthand. This influx of visitors has not only provided economic support to the Rioja family but has also raised awareness about the importance of preserving the chinampas.
Visiting the Chinampas through Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel, in collaboration with Adventure.com, offers travelers the opportunity to visit the chinampas and contribute to their conservation. By organizing tours that focus on responsible and sustainable travel practices, Intrepid Travel allows visitors to actively engage with the Rioja family and their farming traditions, helping to ensure the longevity of the chinampas.
Environmental and Cultural Footprint
Minimal Impact Production
In the production of “Defensores de las Chinampas,” Adventure.com prioritized minimizing the environmental and cultural footprint. The team took deliberate measures to reduce unnecessary flights and on-the-ground crew, ensuring that the production had a minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystem and community.
Remote Production by Adventure.com Team in Australia
To further minimize the documentary’s environmental footprint, the Adventure.com team based in Australia produced and wrote the film remotely. This approach eliminated the need for additional travel and allowed the team to work closely with local crew members and Hunter N. Johnson, who was on the ground for filming.
Local Crew and Hunter N. Johnson’s Involvement
While the Adventure.com team was primarily based in Australia, they collaborated with a local crew from Intrepid Travel and engaged the expertise of Hunter N. Johnson, who lived in close proximity to the filming location. Johnson played a key role in capturing the intricacies of the Rioja family’s story, showcasing the authenticity and intimacy of their experiences.
Credits
Film by Hunter N. Johnson for Adventure.com
“Defensores de las Chinampas” was filmed by Hunter N. Johnson, capturing the personal and intimate moments of the Rioja family’s struggle to preserve the chinampas. Johnson’s expertise in storytelling and his proximity to the location allowed for a deeper and more authentic portrayal of the family’s story.
Written and Produced by Taryn Stenvei and Oliver Pelling
The documentary was written and produced by Taryn Stenvei and Oliver Pelling, who worked closely with the Adventure.com team to bring the story of the Rioja family and the chinampas to life. Their expertise in storytelling and commitment to preserving cultural heritage shines through in the documentary.
Intrepid Support Provided by Juan Carlos Guzmàn, Luis Felipe Guerra
The production of “Defensores de las Chinampas” was made possible through the support and collaboration of Intrepid Travel. Juan Carlos Guzmàn and Luis Felipe Guerra from Intrepid Travel provided invaluable assistance in organizing the tour experiences and facilitating the connection between tourists and the Rioja family.
Drone Footage by Jesús Ángel Fortunatt Serafin
Jesús Ángel Fortunatt Serafin, known as DrondeAndamosFRT, provided breathtaking aerial footage of the chinampas. His drone shots capture the beauty and serenity of these unique agricultural islands, further emphasizing their significance and the need for their preservation.
Special Thanks to the Rioja Family
Adventure.com extends special thanks to the Rioja family for their hospitality and willingness to share their story. Their commitment to maintaining and preserving their cultural heritage serves as an inspiration to viewers and highlights the importance of supporting and collaborating with local communities.
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By watching “Defensores de las Chinampas,” viewers gain insight into the challenges faced by local communities in preserving their cultural and agricultural heritage. The documentary emphasizes the role of responsible and sustainable tourism in supporting these communities and ensures that future generations can continue to benefit from these ancient practices. Through collaboration and awareness, travelers can work together with local communities to protect and sustain the traditions that define their way of life.