Moonbound is finished. After months of filming and editing, I am proud to share this film with the world. None of it would have been possible without an extraordinary team of women who showed up with full commitment, creativity, and heart and without the support of the New York State Council on the Arts, who believed in this story from the beginning. Below, a few stills and moments from behind the scenes.
MOONBOUND, an ancestral passage.
In the year 2039, Saqnikte’ Canastuj, a young Mayan k’iche’ priestess and astronaut, prepares for a historic lunar mission that could redefine humanity’s future. Before leaving, she returns to the Bronx to confront her Guatemalan migrant family, navigating cultural doubts, family tensions, and the ancestral traditions that shaped her. Carrying sacred rituals alongside cutting-edge technology, Saqnikte’ must prove that science and spirituality can coexist. As she races toward the unknown, her journey becomes a testament to heritage, resilience, and the voices that refuse to be forgotten.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Ika Santamaria, representing Coopdanza, testified about the organization's work in promoting indigenous cultures in New York City through interdisciplinary art, media, and educational programs. She highlighted Coopdanza's mission to foster connections between indigenous and non-indigenous communities across the Americas.
Coopdanza creates artivism, collaborative performances, and community education programs inspired by indigenous American cultures.
At the Lower East Side Arts Festival, where we encounter Edgar Allan Poe immersed in his creative process. May 2024 at the Theater of the New City.
Performed by: Kevin Hughes-Noboa, Ika Santamaria, and Nayar Ali.
Directed by Miguel Loyola.
"The Raven's Circumstance"
MAy - 2024
We will be performing on Friday the play "The Raven's Circumstance"; a short play about the famous poem of Edgar Allan Poe in NYU, Produced by El Centauro Mecánico and directed by Miguel Loyola.
Kevin Hughes-Noboa Edgar Allan Poe
Ika Santamaria Lenore
Nayar Ali Raven
Veronica Uribe Etxebarria Violinist
April 12, 2024 at
New York University
"The Raven's Circumstance"
May 2024
The event 'Wind of Poetry, Art, and Music' was coordinated by bi/Coa: Bicultural Community of the Americas, an organization that promotes art and culture through academic and cultural exchange from New York. During the poetry reading, we were joined by Monica Sarmiento Archer, who presented her poem 'Per coloro che danzano,' with collaboration from Ika Santamaria, Creative Director
Hosted at the iconic Under St. Marks Theater on the Lower East Side, we presented a captivating play reading of "In What Are You Thinking" by Xavier Villaurrutia.A heartfelt thank you to our talented
In what are you thinking
March 7. 2024
actors: Martha Lorena Preve, Miguel Loyola, Eusebio Celaya, Andres Gallardo, and Nayar Ali, for their unwavering commitment and passioned work.
Director, producer: Ika Santamaria
“¿En qué Piensas?” Dirigida por Ika Santamaria. Una obra escrita por Xavier Villaurrutia. Celebrando el mes de la mujer, esta obra nos lleva a través de las relaciones de una mujer con los hombres que han sido, son y serán parte de su vida.
BANTÚ, ANCESTRAL HERITAGE in a performative concert In the concert version of "Bantú, Ancestral Heritage," a chorus of African ancestors, featuring a narrator and three singers, will recount the story of Alex, the main character in the musical play of the same name. Following the format of grand narratives, the chorus of ancestors will take the stage, resembling an elder by the fireside, sharing the tale of the community.
Bronx
Oct 2023
BANTU
