Comunidades Indígenas en Liderazgo CIELO, in a joint effort with Nina Films, is proud to announce the short documentary, ‘The River Knows Our Name’. The film offers an intimate look into the lives of three Indigenous interpreters at CIELO, revealing how their native languages are wielded not just for translation but as a crucial tool for cultural preservation, community support, and powerful activism in Los Angeles.
The 25-minute documentary argues that in a world designed to erase them, carrying an Indigenous language is an inherently political and restorative act. The interpreters profiled use their voices daily to support migrants navigating complex legal and social systems they once faced alone.
The narrative is woven through the personal experiences of three women: Odilia Romero, CIELO’s co-founder, a Zapotec interpreter and activist; Alba González, a resilient young K’iche’ woman who fled violence in Guatemala and found empowerment through interpretation; and Janet Martinez, CIELO’s co-founder and poet, whose voice frames the story of loss, memory, and indigenous resistance. The film emphasizes that these women carry not only words but entire worldviews, transforming their independence into profound support for others.
With stunning visuals, rich poetry, and powerful metaphors, ‘The River Knows Our Name’ is a deeply personal tribute to the resilience and leadership of Indigenous women. Ultimately, the film is a definitive call for language justice, affirming that access to interpretation is a fundamental human right and that preserving language is synonymous with preserving life itself.