Boreal Bash V
Coxcatlán, Mexico
December 8—14, 2018

In 2018, Boreal Collective, Bronx Documentary Center and Centro Cultural Tenexcalco joined forces for the 5th edition of the Boreal Bash, which took place in Coxcatlán, San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

The workshop was be held in the Huasteca Potosina region, a rich and diverse biosphere where 360,000 Nahuatl, Teenek, Huastecos and Xi’oi Indigenous people as well as Mestizos coexist in 397 communities. The conquest of the area began in the mid-1400s during the reign of Moctezuma Xocoyotzin. Nahuatl was then imposed as the main language. Later, the Spanish colonization had a major influence on the daily life of the people and dominated the local economy, resources and productive forces alike. Yet, Huasteca is also known for its long history of resistance and social movements, especially regarding land rights. Collective identity is expressed through dance, music and gastronomy, amongst other. Hence, the fifth edition of the Boreal Bash explored narratives linked to territoriality and identity through conversations with members of the surrounding communities, storytellers, researchers and local artists.

The 2018 workshop coincided with the Virgin of Guadalupe celebrations, a heritage of Mexican syncretism. In Huasteca Potosina, participants had the opportunity to document local stories through assignments meant to push their visual storytelling forward. In addition to support from invited photo professionals and instructors, each participant was be assisted by locals to help them navigate the different communities and understand current events and issues. Under the stewardship of the Centro Cultural Tenexcalco, stories produced during the workshop were exhibited in 2019 in streets across the region.