Rompiendo El Ciclo (breaking the cycle) is a short film directed by Aria Zapata that follows Luciana Pérez López, who is a resilient single mother of seven from San Martín Chiquito, Guatemala. In a community where education is often inaccessible for girls, Luciana stands out against the odds as a leader for education and development of the community’s children. Her story as shown on screen challenges gender norms and the concept of “machismo,” the male mentality of superiority over women. This can inspire others to break free of poverty and inequality cycles deeply rooted in our society. Through intimate storytelling and engaging powerful visuals, the film captures Luciana’s resilience and determination, highlighting the importance of education and the strength of the human spirit.

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