Haagua - Directed by Octavio Aceves Coutiño, Marc Antony Chavez

Project Type: Film

Project Title: Haagua

Brief Synopsis: A major disturbance more than 400 years ago interrupted nature’s law along the shores of the West Coast of California, Mexico, and beyond. A chain reaction ensued, forever changed our coastlines, seascapes, practices, and Indigenous life. However, a new wave is upon us. Allowing the space to not just survive, but to thrive, Indigenous life reflects nature’s law and rebounds.

“Haagua” depicts the timeless connection between Great Great-Grandmother Ocean and her great-grandchildren. Great Great-Grandmother speaks from the past and prays into the future. Birthed and sprung from water, a timeless memory of survival thrusts us forward to a current time. To thrive, surfing. More than a sport, surfing is a re-cognition of cultural practice and a re-creation of an original lifestyle. Re-generation is seen in the film’s featured surfers—Andy Nieblas (Acjachemen) David Flores Ramos (Nahua), Shuuluk Leo-Retz (Kumeyaay), Kaliko Kahoonei (Hawaiian),  Amon B. Chavez (Nahua Carib), Reg Macarro (Payomkawichum-Ojibwe) and Marc Chavez (Nahua-Xicano).

Runtime: 15 minutes 22 seconds

Completion Date: 2024

Country of Origin: USA

Language: English

Credits

Directors: Octavio Aceves Coutiño, Marc Antony Chavez

Executive Producer: Marc Antony Chavez

Producers: Native Like Water, One World Bridge, Marc Antony Chavez

Writers: Marc Antony Chavez, Erika Archaga

Writer/Story Contributions: Shuuluk Leo-Retz

Cinematography: Octavio Aceves Coutiño, Alejandro Maytorena, Evan Schell

Editor: Ernesto Ruvalcaba

Music Score: Octavio Aceves Coutiño

Cast:

Jacinda S Townsend

Shuuluk Leo-Retz

Kaliko Kaho’onei

Amon Braveheart Chavez

Andy Nieblas

Reg Macarro

Liam Walsh

Luz Guerrero

Marc Antony Chavez

David Flores Ramos

Sophia Uribe

Dr. Stan Rodriguez

Devina Miller