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Dear Dalyana

"Dear Dalyana" is a deeply personal and moving documentary that explores the intergenerational struggles of a Wayuu mother living in an Indigenous community in Colombia. Through a heartfelt letter to her young daughter, Dalyana, she promises to teach her the endangered Wayuunaiki language, which is at risk of extinction. The film captures the emotional and cultural impact of language loss, framed by a mother’s commitment to preserving her ancestral heritage.

  • Ana Maria Ovalle Muskus
    Director
  • Marinela Camargo Barliza
    Producer
  • Ana Maria Ovalle Muskus
    Producer
  • Ana Maria Ovalle Muskus
    Editor
  • Ana Maria Ovalle Muskus
    Cinematographer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    20 minutes 18 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 4, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    10,800 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    Colombia
  • Country of Filming:
    Colombia
  • Language:
    English, Spanish, Wayuu
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of the Arts London
  • London
    United Kingdom
    December 5, 2024
    Screening at Doc.Ma event at UAL
Director Biography - Ana Maria Ovalle Muskus

Ana María is a Colombian documentary filmmaker based in London. With undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Advertising, Film, and Semiotics, her work explores the intersection of community, ancestral knowledge, and social and environmental impact. She brings over a decade of experience in creating written and audiovisual content, with a particular interest in Indigenous and Aboriginal peoples and rural communities worldwide. Rooted in cultural sustainability and empathy, her storytelling amplifies marginalized voices. Through observational cinema, Ana María explores themes of identity, heritage, and tradition, emphasizing the preservation of cultural phenomena through language and diverse forms of communication.

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Director Statement

There is so much to learn from Indigenous communities around the world. They are the guardians of ancestral knowledge and share a profound bond with Mother Nature. This relationship carries deep layers of wisdom, reminding us of our responsibility to protect their culture and honour the beauty of who they have been, who they are, and who they will continue to be.