Experiencing culture & community through corn: Through the emphasis of the importance of a single ingredient we hope to thread various experiences together into a fuller understanding of our relationships to the land and one another. Here is our curated list of short films about the magic of MAIZE; watch one or watch them all! We encourage you to enjoy virtually with friends, pause for discussion, and don’t forget the pop corn!
THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD ACCORDING TO CORN
“Trace the 9,000 year old history of the domestication of corn, or maize, and its effects on global agriculture. Corn currently accounts for more than one tenth of our global crop production. And over 99% of cultivated corn is the exact same type: Yellow Dent #2. This means that humans grow more Yellow Dent #2 than any other plant on the planet. So how did this single variety of this single plant become the biggest success story in agricultural history?” (6 minutes)
POPPED SECRET: THE MYSTERIOUS ORIGIN OF CORN
"Where did corn come from? Genetic and archeological data point to what may seem like an unlikely ancestor."(18 minutes)
THREE SISTERS PLANTING AND LA MILPA
“The Three Sisters planting method comes from ancient Indigenous American cultures, and has become a technique of interest to modern gardeners because of its utility in preserving soil health while growing three popular and delicious veggies; corn, bean and squash. But what many modern gardeners miss when they undertake the Three Sisters planting method is what the method means to the people who developed it and still use the technique today as an important part of their cultural heritage.” (10 minutes)
IXIM: A MAYAN STORY ABOUT CORN
“There are over 20 different Mayan languages, and of all of the variations there is only one word common to all: ixim. It means corn. In this short film, the Q'eqchi people of Guatemala tell their origin story and illustrate the importance of this crop to their lives and culture.” (5 minutes)
CREATION STORY OF THE MAYA
“The Popol Vuh narrates the Maya creation story, the tales of the Hero Twins, and the account of the creation of the sky, the Earth, and all life.” (3 minutes)
MEXICAN CORN TORTILLAS: PRESERVING TRADITIONS AT LA TORTILLERIA
“The tradition of corn tortilla making is centuries old and fundamental to Mexican culture and cuisine. This video explain the history and technique of this ancient craft, from its inception through to earning its place as Mexico's main staple.” (7 minutes)
UCHEPOS ESTILO MICHOACÁN DE MI RANCHO A TU COCINA
Learn how to cook uchepos (tamales) the way they are traditionally made in Michoacán, brought to you by From My Ranch to Your Kitchen! (10 minutes)
ENJOY!!
