WACHUMA, THE SACRED PLANT MEDICINE is a documentary that reveals the gifts of the Grandfather Wachuma (Trichocereus/Echinopsis pachanoi), the ancient shamanic plant medicine used for over 4000 years in the Andes to cure many spiritual and physical illnesses. Through the lives of Oswald and Joann Pomaquiza, two shamans, immigrants and spouses serving this cactus medicine In South America and the United States, the film portrays their spiritual journey honoring the ceremonial practices an teachings of their Taita Miguel. Oswald, who was born in Ecuador, Immigrated to the US as a teenager. Joann, who was born in Cuba and raised practicing Afro-diasporic spirituality with her mother. She has been studious of many schools of thought like Tao, Buddhism and is today leader of the New Jersey Chapter of the Oklevueha Native American Church (ONAC) where both are now dedicated to serving Wachuma medicine. This documentary seeks to amplify the teachings of the grandfathers, the ancient wisdom that the plant provides, what it takes to walk the path of the ancestors to live a good life in harmony with mother nature, destroying the illusion of separation that afflict us today. The film includes testimonies of the transformational effects of Wachuma in people’s life.
Contact Joann and Oswal Pomaquiza via email oswalpomaquiza@yahoo.com
Credits
Directed and Edited by Natalie Romero-Marx
Shot by
Brian Sachson
Kyle Felleman
Natalie Romero-Marx
Produced by
Brian Sachson
Eclectic Productions
Natalie Romero-Marx
Space images by NASA.gov
Wachuma painting by Sarah Vacciarello
In order of appearance
Joann Pomaquiza, shaman
Oswald Pomaquiza, shaman
Miguel Mendiburu Saavedra, shaman
Nolan Checo, firekeeper
Carlos Angel, Hair stylist
Brian Sachson, filmmaker
Jessann Marie, spiritual healer
Locations
Andean Mountains, Ecuador Azogues, Ecuador Sacred Valley, Peru New York, USA
Songs by
Joann Pomaquiza
Nolan Checo
Marbelis Foster
Pond 5 Stock Music Night Fire by YourBlur Native American Indian Flute Background by Mark Teachey 2022