The Mapuche people always pray to their gods in the face of hardships like drought or disease. When the Spanish conquistadors arrive on horseback, they seem to be supernatural beings, and the powers of the traditional gods fail. The Spaniards take the indigenous people captive and force them to work as slaves. While living in slavery, the Mapuche boy Lautaro discovers that the Spaniards are humans devoid of godly powers. He learns to use their weapons and organizes a rebellion against the colonizers. This short film uses cutout animation to retell a classic Chilean legend. Chilean painter Hernando León was part of the film’s production group, and Vivienne (Forch) Barry animated the puppets.

The film is also available with Spanish subtitles.

Part of the playlist Chilean Films in Exile – Shorts by Juan Forch and also available for a Digital Site License for educational partners. Please find more information here.