Alma always felt distant from her roots, through separation and growth Alma will have to connect with her shadow in order to feel at ease with her identity.

Synopsis-

Shadows are our companions; they grow alongside us, they change with us, we can inherit them just as our ancestors left us their names- Nahua belief. From her birth, Alma inherited her grandmother’s shadow, however, growing up she felt distant from her roots. Until one day Alma looses her shadow.

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Intention-

TONALLI is based upon a series of beliefs regarding shadows from the Nahua tradition in Mexico. Within the Mesoamerican world-view the Tonalli (our shadow) is a dual being, a companion entity of humans who accompanies us throughout our lifetime.

The tonalli is strongly linked with our name, it is believed that if we bear the name of an ancestor, we also inherit their tonalli. The tonalli grows up with us, and changes alongside us, as we learn what life is. Our tonalli can be detached from us through different events throughout our life, however we always will find our way back together.

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My story follows the life of Alma and her shadow from the day she is born. We see them grow and change, their friendship and their conflicts. Ultimately it is a tale of self-discovery and acceptance. A quest for a deeper connection with yourself by connecting and honoring your history.