Caring as Resistance: Identity, Language, and Mise-en-scène in In Times of Rain
Faculty Mentor Name
Traci Roberts-Camps
Research or Creativity Area
Humanities & Arts
Abstract
In Oaxaca, Mexico, curanderas or healers play a vital role within Indigenous communities. They use herbs and spiritual rituals to treat both physical and emotional illnesses, including cleansing negative energies. However, their role extends beyond healing, as they are regarded as wise community leaders who carry deep ancestral knowledge. For this reason, curanderas hold significant authority and respect, representing a strong connection to nature and the cultural traditions of Indigenous peoples. In the film In Times of Rain, Soledad is a traditional curandera living in an Indigenous community with her seven-year-old grandson, José. She has raised him since his mother, Adela, left for Mexico City in search of work. One day, Adela calls to announce her marriage and expresses her desire for José to finally be with her. However, Soledad believes that José is better off remaining in the village, highlighting a broader tension between the perceived opportunities of urban life and the value of ancestral roots. This research analyzes the central theme of tradition versus modernity, as well as the use of visual techniques in the film, In Times of Rain, directed by Itandehui Jansen. I will be presenting in Spanish.
Caring as Resistance: Identity, Language, and Mise-en-scène in In Times of Rain
In Oaxaca, Mexico, curanderas or healers play a vital role within Indigenous communities. They use herbs and spiritual rituals to treat both physical and emotional illnesses, including cleansing negative energies. However, their role extends beyond healing, as they are regarded as wise community leaders who carry deep ancestral knowledge. For this reason, curanderas hold significant authority and respect, representing a strong connection to nature and the cultural traditions of Indigenous peoples. In the film In Times of Rain, Soledad is a traditional curandera living in an Indigenous community with her seven-year-old grandson, José. She has raised him since his mother, Adela, left for Mexico City in search of work. One day, Adela calls to announce her marriage and expresses her desire for José to finally be with her. However, Soledad believes that José is better off remaining in the village, highlighting a broader tension between the perceived opportunities of urban life and the value of ancestral roots. This research analyzes the central theme of tradition versus modernity, as well as the use of visual techniques in the film, In Times of Rain, directed by Itandehui Jansen. I will be presenting in Spanish.
