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Embark on a captivating journey that delves into the essence of Yucatecan Maya life in the 21st century. This feature-length documentary unfolds against the backdrop of Coba, the second largest Maya ceremonial center in the ancient world. From this archaeological marvel, the film ventures deep into the lush jungles and intimate villages, offering a poignant exploration of two indigenous families
committed to preserving their rich heritage. At its core, Beyond the Ruins weaves a tapestry that illuminates the profound interconnectedness of existence, as mirrored in the ancient Maya philosophy of "in lak' ech, a lak' en" — where "I am you; you are me." The film not only resurrects a vibrant but often overlooked culture; it also invites viewers to contemplate the universal lessons embedded in Maya wisdom. Through this evocative lens, audiences discover not only a living legacy but a source of inspiration to enhance their own quality of life. |
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Director Biography - Brady SkyeBrady Skye is an award-winning filmmaker and photographer with over a decade of fulltime experience in documentary and commercial filmmaking alongside YouTube videos. With a keen eye for directing and editing, Brady has created over 1500 videos, from national TV commercials to long-form programs. He has collaborated with a number of adagencies and production companies, serving as a director, cinematographer and editor, and delivering high-quality commercial work within tight deadlines. From 2015-2017 he produced and edited hundreds of commercials for the PGA TOUR and other major brands such as Nickelodeon. His self-produced works have been distributed by Paramount, CBS, NBC Sports, Golf Channel, and MTV.
Brady just completed his first feature-length documentary, Beyond the Ruins. The film tells the story of two indigenous Maya families in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula who have managed to maintain their cultural heritage in the face of the 21st century. Not only does it help viewers understand the Maya culture is alive and well, it explores what others could learn from them to improve their own quality of life. Brady's ability to capture the essence of his subjects and create compelling narratives has garnered him numerous awards and recognition in the industry. With a relentless pursuit of excellence, he continues to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, captivating audiences with his creativity and vision. His personal favorite subject matters typically involve exotic locations, indigenous cultures, and environmental issues. |
Director Statement
Embarking on this journey, initially driven by the desire to shed light on a widely misunderstood culture, has led to a profound transformation that forever changed my life.
When I took on this project of exploring an indigenous people, I was acutely aware of the potential harm that can arise from misrepresenting sensitive topics, particularly when it comes to journalism. Hence, my foremost objective in creating this film was to pay homage to the Maya people and craft a work that would make them proud. Today, I am grateful to declare that we have achieved that goal. Every step of the way, over a five year period, the Maya community stood with us, endorsing the film and its portrayal of their culture and beliefs.
While conflict traditionally stands as a cornerstone in storytelling, the Maya community of Coba re-defined this norm. Despite their experiences of exploitation and marginalization, their profound philosophies steer them away from fixating on adversity or trials. Expressing negativity, including discussing these topics publicly, runs contrary to their essence. This prompted me to embrace an alternative narrative strategy, one that prioritized gratitude over conflict. This shift ultimately triggered a personal transformation, a particularly noteworthy transition given my background in a culture that champions independence and individualism rather than the values of family and community.
My hope is that this film will not only change the way people perceive the Maya, but also their own personal perceptions of what it means to live a fulfilling life and what kind of legacy they are leaving behind.
When I took on this project of exploring an indigenous people, I was acutely aware of the potential harm that can arise from misrepresenting sensitive topics, particularly when it comes to journalism. Hence, my foremost objective in creating this film was to pay homage to the Maya people and craft a work that would make them proud. Today, I am grateful to declare that we have achieved that goal. Every step of the way, over a five year period, the Maya community stood with us, endorsing the film and its portrayal of their culture and beliefs.
While conflict traditionally stands as a cornerstone in storytelling, the Maya community of Coba re-defined this norm. Despite their experiences of exploitation and marginalization, their profound philosophies steer them away from fixating on adversity or trials. Expressing negativity, including discussing these topics publicly, runs contrary to their essence. This prompted me to embrace an alternative narrative strategy, one that prioritized gratitude over conflict. This shift ultimately triggered a personal transformation, a particularly noteworthy transition given my background in a culture that champions independence and individualism rather than the values of family and community.
My hope is that this film will not only change the way people perceive the Maya, but also their own personal perceptions of what it means to live a fulfilling life and what kind of legacy they are leaving behind.
