Canción de toquilla
A Song of Toquilla You Decide

Javier Andrade

Ecuador, Documentary, 2010
24 min, HD Cam, Color
Spanish with English subtitles

The famous Toquilla straw hats, commonly known as Panama Hats, are not actually made in Panama. Instead, they are made in a rural community called Pile on the coast of Ecuador. The artisans here are the last who still possess the 250 year-old knowledge of making fine, handmade hats. But due to a falling dollar and younger generations choosing paths other than hat-making, this art is disappearing. As elders explain the process of making the hats, and how they are actively teaching the craft to the youth in the community, it is also evident that the artisans of Pile could quietly, suddenly disappear.

World Premiere

Producer: Maria de Los Angeles Palacios
Production Companies: PUNK
Cinematographer: Olivier Auverlau
Editor: Javier Andrade
Sound Design: Cristina Arias
Music: Kathiuska Lopera, Paco del Castillo, Filemon Macias
Cast: Domingo Carranza, Pascuala Delgado, Idolo Espinal, Geronimo Carranza, Maribel de Carranza
Print Source: Mariangeles Palacios, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mexican American Cultural Center
Fri. April 22 1:00 PM
FREE!