* A film by MARIJKE KODDEN & JAAP VERHOEVEN
* Produced by RAKINAH BUTTNER & MARIJKE KODDEN
* Music by ESTAS TONNE (estastonne.com)
www.kiva-wisdomkeepers.com
SYNOPSIS:
In 1968, medicine man Raymundo Tigre Perez (American Indian) had a vision. He saw indigenous Elders from all over the world united in a circular pit - with a fire at its heart - performing a ceremony. A spiritual ceremony for the Earth, for peace and the well-being of all living things. He later found out this was a KIVA, an ancient ceremony used by the Hopi and Pueblo Indians, more than a thousand years ago, to honour and respect all sources of life and to share vital ancient wisdom.
This vision awakened a sense of urgency within Tigre and he put out a call for this ancient ceremony and wisdom to be shared with the world. From all corners of the globe, hundreds of indigenous Wisdom Keepers answered his call - joining forces at KIVA ceremonies - to bundle, share and safeguard vital ancient wisdom for the protection of our beautiful planet. Organized by Roots of the Earth, these unique KIVA ceremonies have been taking place for over 35 years around the world, and continue to unite people, to restore our relationship with nature and to promote a path of harmonious co-existence with all living beings based on love and respect. Ancient knowledge from all corners of the world, united in one place, makes KIVA a ‘goldmine’ of wisdom!”
Marijke Kodden:
“As a photographer and first-time filmmaker, I got involved with the KIVA ceremonies in 2018. I was deeply moved when I first came to KIVA. It felt like a homecoming, as nature has been a common thread in my life. Having photographed for a dutch nature reserve organisation for over 10 years and having travelled the globe in search of indigenous tribes, it was mindblowing, touching and humbling to find them all united in one place. It became clear to me then that - as the indigenous have never lost their connection to nature - théy are the ones that can guide us to a more connected and sustainable way of life by teaching us how to reconnect with our roots.”
“As one of the first and few, I was permitted to photograph and film during these unique KIVA ceremonies in Mexico (2018), India (2019), The Netherlands (2018/2019) and Germany (2021). I feel very honoured to have had the opportunity to interview many Wisdom Keepers, as I feel a strong urge to bring their message and the importance of the KIVA ceremony to the world. Due to centuries of oppression, it has not been safe for Indigenous Peoples to express their truth. While filming, I could still sense this. But the Wisdom Keepers also feel that it is crusial and ‘the time is now’ to share their vital knowledge for the benefit of the earth!"
“This documentary delivers not only the urgent message from all indigenous tribes, for us to return to live in harmony with nature instead of exploiting her and to give back more than we take. But it also shows us why it is important to remember our Roots and to bring back ceremony into our lives. To simply sit around the fire, to connect with the elements, to humble ourselves and respect our planet, our only home! It is our responsibility to safeguard the vital resources of this planet for future generations.”
This documentary is financed with 80% of my own resources and 20% with crowdfunding and sponsoring.'
Filmmaker Marijke Kodden
Length: 56 minutes
Country: Mexico, India, German and Netherlands
Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese and German
Copyright: Marijke Kodden