In the quarter-century that it took to bring “LA RUTA MAYA” from conception to realization, much has changed in the world of the Maya. The last few decades in particular have been a time of serious looting of treasures of the world.

No where has this been more apparent than in the land of the ancient Maya. Their area ran roughly from what is now southern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala and into present day Honduras and El Salvador. What they left behind remains an astounding tribute to their accomplishments. It has been said of them that they reached greater heights in less time than any other race of people in history.

Certainly one of the great mysteries of our time begins with the question, “What happened to the Maya?” How could a people that built Palenque, Tikal, Copan and several hundred other cities that remain evident today simply disappear? Truthfully, they didn’t … there are still millions of—for the lack of a better phrase—pure blooded Maya living today. Their greatness, however, has without question…faded. The savagery of the Spanish conquest had a lot to do with their decline.

The advent of hundreds of thousands of settlers—lured by the promise of free land, or nearly so—into the Maya heartland has led to unprecedented looting, vandalism, and trafficking in illegal artifacts. In fact profits from the sale of illicit artifacts are second, in the world, only too illicit narcotics! Compounding the problem was the wanton destruction of much of the rain forest that had provided protection to these treasures. It was found (too late in many cases) that the only thing holding these ancient cities together, were the trees themselves.

It is with particular pride that Filmteam announces the release of a new DVD entitled “LA RUTA MAYA.” The images in this documentary were being recorded as far back as 1960, and what you see is the selection from literally thousands of amassed photographs. In some cases FILMTEAM was too late, and all that was found at a site was the debris of looters. In other circumstances, FILMTEAM was barely ahead of the rapacious looters and vandals. Case in point? Just after FILMTEAM reported the existence of the great cave Naj Tunich, with its wonderful paintings and hieroglyphs, (Prensa Libre, August 31, 1980) depredations began. What had lasted for over a thousand years was nearly destroyed entirely in barely 20…in spite of guards being at the site!

“LA RUTA MAYA,” is not about any routes or roads followed by the Maya; rather it is a visual trip through the centuries, of an amazing people…the ancient Maya.

The program contains over 480 images, from some 60 Maya sites. Also featured are the Maya Indians of today (many living exactly as their ancestors did) as well as flora and fauna of the areas involved.

“LA RUTA MAYA” is narrated, and features the music of world renouned Indian artist, Xavier Quijas Yxayotl, played on ancient instruments.

LA RUTA MAYA is sure to be of interest to armchair travelers, scholars, and teachers alike.