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Democracia Indígena examines the rights revolution of Indian Mexico through the municipal elections in Huehuetla, Puebla—the same Totonac Indian community featured in "The Tree of Life"and "The Tree of Knowledge".

In 1989, the Huehuetla Totonacs formed the Organizacion Independiente Totonaca (OIT), and joined in an electoral alliance with the Partido de la Revolucion Democratica to sweep the municipal elections. During the following nine years, the OIT and PRD carried out a non-violent revolution. The visible signs of this Totonac renaissance are the health posts, schools, drinking water, and electricity available to everyone for the first time. But the real change is in the new self-confidence and pride of the Totonacs themselves.

They Treat Us Like Animals

Indian Theology

Democracia Indígena follows Cruz Garcia, an "expatriate" Totonac, as he examines the changes in his homeland. Opening with the PRD electoral campaign, Cruz meets with the Totonac mayor and council, visits rural projects, talks with his Totonac family and neighbors, as well as the parish priest and the mestizo mayoral candidate of the opposition PRI. With Cruz, we watch the voting, the vote counting, and the stunning 3 am victory celebration. The film concludes with an examination of the strengths and weaknesses of this powerful example of democracy in action.

Awards:Special Merit Award, Latin American Studies Association; Best Documentary, Latino Film Festival; Mejor Pelicula Indígena, Festival Contra el Silencio.

US TV: Free Speech TV Columbus Day Special