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Logline

Companion of the Setting Sun, is a short hyperrealist documentary that explores the transformation of lake Xochimilco and survival of the Axolotl population. We are immersed into the daily lives of the chinamperos, examining the difficulties of maintaining their wetland farms while co-existing with the last remaining wild Axolotls.

Synopsis

THE WILD AXOLOTL IS AN INDICATOR SPECIES FOR XOCHIMILCO.

This film focuses on the plight of the Chinamperos in relation to the water crisis. The lack of water and increased pollution is threatening their livelihood along with endangering the survival of the native axolotl. Our lead character, 86-year-old Doña Susana represents the last of her Chinampera generation. The ancestral knowledge she was raised on is being lost. She finds sadness in this reality, reflecting on a time when the canals were abundant with flowers and she could still source water from natural aquifers to feed her gardens. Despite the devastation she’s witnessed, she still has a glimmer of hope that this way of life, and the wild axolotl, can be saved.

NARRATIVE THREAD:
The axolotl is a representation of who Mexicans are. He was a deity escaping sacrifice, so he hid in many different forms before he took the form of an animal that never grows old (the axolotl).

“The Xochimilcas believe that when the wild axolotls are gone, humanity is gone.” – Sara Sandoval

Axolotl’s story of transformation serves as a unifying thread of the film. We express the following aspects of his transformation through four main pillars: trauma, transformation, resilience, and rebirth.

The Axolotl story mirrors the journey of Xochimilco and the Chinampas. Like the Axolotl, Xochimilco and the whole Valley of Mexico have gone through significant transformation. The lake, which is the cornerstone of life in the Valley of Mexico, has almost completely dried out due to mismanagement of the water, overdevelopment, and pollution. But we find that there is always a pathway to renewal from destruction. The axolotl’s unique ability to regenerate symbolizes the idea that even the most vital parts of ourselves can be healed and transformed over time with care.
 

Meet the Filmmakers

Isabela Zawistowska — Director
Isabela Zawistowska is a Mexican-American documentary filmmaker with a passion for telling stories that weave together Nature and humanity. Her path to becoming a Naturalist was inspired by many years in the mountains. She aspires to evolve the narrative around how people relate to their environment.

Her most recent work, the short film Don’t Doubt the Trout, showcases her desire to elevate character-driven stories centered around protecting and restoring the environment. She has Camera Operated on several HBO and Netflix docuseries with the producers of the Tiger King and Chimp Crazy. She has also collaborated with global, sustainably-minded brands and organizations, including The North Face, Cotopaxi, Chaco Footwear, the Honnold Foundation, and Re:Wild.

Chamberlain Staub — Producer
Chamberlain Staub is a Documentary filmmaker who started her career working for the Nonprofit Narrative Arts, using film as a platform to tell community stories.

Her work touches on social issues and strives for honest expression through the careful exploration of diverse topics. Chamberlain’s work on Emmy-Winning series such as Chef’s Table and Live To 100: Secrets Of The Blue Zones showcases her sensibilities for compelling visual storytelling.

Rosa Hadit — Cinematographer
Rosa Hadit is a Mexican director of photography who graduated from Centro’s Film and Television program and from workshops at international schools such as EICTV. Her career began in major films and series as a still photographer and camera operator for platforms such as Netflix, Amazon, Apple and HBO, where she set foot on sets alongside great masters of cinema who have been an inspiration to her.

She is a member of Apertura, a Mexican community of female directors of photography. Her work has been exhibited at the Havana Biennial, and at film festivals such as FICM, Short Shorts, New Hope Film Fest, the Los Cabos Film Festival and the Havana Film Festival.

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Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.