Hello, my name is Yolihuani Tekolokuautli. I am a student filmmaker currently studying at NYU film school, born and raised in East Los Angeles. My film, Curanderismo, is an experimental project about a young girl battling with spiritual turmoil, who turns to indigenous medicinal practices to heal herself. Her aunt, well versed in the old practice of curanderismo, guides her through her journey of healing and protection.

Curanderismo is said to be the holistic approach to healing the mind, body and spirit. Curanderas and Curanderos are healers that preserve these indigenous practices of traditional medicine that are often ignored in western institutions. Growing up immersed in my indigenous heritage, these curative teachings have informed my life and creative practice. I would love to make a film that not only stresses the beauty and importance of continuing these ancestral traditions of healing, but also serves as a love letter to the women who have helped me throughout my journey. I also would like to use this film as a vessel in which give thanks to them, the practices themselves, and our ancestors who have continued them for us to flourish and heal.