The documentary “Manual Audiovisual del Juego Tradicional Yucateco” (MAJTY) showcases an audiovisual approach to traditional Yucatecan games through diverse landscapes from the state. The main objective is to rescue traditional games as part of Yucatán’s identity, directed by Emmanuel Tatto Pérez, a Yucatecan filmmaker specializing in audiovisual media, photography, and cultural project management.
The documentary will premiere on July 27th at 7:00 PM at the Cineteca “Manuel Barbachano Ponce” located inside the Teatro Armando Manzanero, with free access to the public. This project is part of the program for stimulating artistic creation and development in Yucatán (PECDA), focusing on audiovisual media by young creators.
The documentary features various traditional games such as “Tinjoroch,” “Kimbomba,” “Chuc Tunich,” “Trompo,” and “Papalote,” among others. The creator described the work as an “audiovisual approach to traditional Yucatecan games through diverse landscapes, where territory and identity shape and form part of the narrative accompanied by laughter, frustration, nostalgia, and skill.”
The documentary portrays various zones in the state, including San Crisanto’s coast, Xalau’s comisaría, Sinanché, Chemax, and Mérida. This diversity of settings aims to represent different contexts where play has been part of coexistence, learning, and Yucatecan cultural identity.
Furthermore, the work highlights the importance of audio design in identifying each game, a task accomplished by Yucatecan composer Aarón G. González. “The importance of sound design in this project allows us to approach those sounds and recognize how they sound when playing games,” said Tatto Pérez. “Its relevance is reflected in the connection between visuals and sound with identity.”