Private Project

Tecuani and the Duende - The Voice of the Jaguar

Young Tecuani is unaware of the adventure she is about to embark on as she chases a purple lizard into a forest cave. Her journey begins with an encounter with the fearsome Tata Duende, a legendary guardian of the forest known for his missing thumbs, backwards facing feet and his love for playing the guitar. Tata Duende awakens young Tecuani to an epic story of the rise and fall of an ancient civilization that has been forgotten for a thousand years. A story of greed and deceit, but also heroism and redemption. Will the fearless Hunahpu’s efforts to escape from Abya Yala and secure another chance for a peaceful life be for nothing? What will become of the king of the jungle, the mighty jaguar? Can Tecuani fulfil her destiny and become the ‘voice of the jaguar’ to awaken her people once again?

  • Lee Mcloughlin
    Director
  • David Daniel Smith
    Director
  • Lee Mcloughlin
    Writer
  • Lee Mcloughlin
    Producer
  • David Daniel Smith
    Producer
  • Javier Romero
    Key Cast
    "Tata Duende "
  • Kristyn Tillett
    Key Cast
    "Tecuani "
  • Astrid Maciel Reyes
    Key Cast
    "Tecuani "
  • David Daniel Smith
    Director of Animation
  • David Daniel Smith
    Animators
  • Caleb Smith
    Animators
  • Magdalena Gray
    Animators
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Short
  • Genres:
    Fantasy, Action, Adventure
  • Runtime:
    19 minutes 35 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 24, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Belize
  • Country of Filming:
    Belize
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Belize International Film Festival
    Belize City
    Belize
    November 9, 2019
Director Biography - Lee Mcloughlin, David Daniel Smith

Lee is a UK native living in Belize for 10 years with a passion for broadcasting conservation messages in ways that actually reach peoples hearts and minds. A meeting with David, a talented Belizean animator, in 2018 set in motion their dream project; to make Belize's first animated movie.

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Director Statement

Belize's first animated movie strikes at some of the most important issues facing this small nation, independent since 1981, that straddles both the Caribbean and Central America. Environmental protection, women's empowerment, social justice and the promotion of folklore's cultural importance are central themes in this story. This movie is intended to inspire a wide audience to take action.