In the mountains of Michoacán, Mexico, the Indigenous town of Cherán did what no one thought possible: it kicked out the cartels, shut down illegal logging, and took back control of its future. "Enraizados" (Our Roots Remain) follows the community’s transformation from uprising to self-rule through the lives of three generations shaped by the movement. Susy, a teenage street artist, turns local memory into public art. Paco, an environmental engineer, works to restore the land while building systems independent of the state. And Geno, one of the rebellion’s first organizers, looks back on the cost of standing up, and what it takes to keep going.
Learn More: https://www.redfordcenter.org/films/enraizados/
Logline: When an Indigenous town in Mexico rises up against illegal logging, three generations lead a fight to reclaim their forest, their autonomy, and their future.
"Enraizados" was co-directed by Sélim Benzeghia and Ivonne Serna.
Ivonne Serna (she/her), is a Mexican documentary filmmaker and climate specialist, she has worked across LATAM, North America, and Europe, dedicating herself to creating narratives that elevate women and underrepresented communities, notably in Mexico and its diaspora. Her portfolio includes visual reporting and environmental project management. As a freelance filmmaker, her short film "Sabor Y Amor" won acclaim at VTIFF Made Here, and secured the third US-Mexico Bicentennial Kaleidoscope award. Ivonne co-directed with Sélim Benzeghia the short film “Enraizados (Our Roots Remain)” supported by The Redford Center, which premiered at COP29 and is currently running in festivals. Ivonne has also collaborated with National Geographic Society, the Global Center for Climate Mobility, and UNEP. At COP29, she served as Mexico’s lead negotiator on just transition. Learn more: https://www.ivonneserna.com
Sélim Benzeghia (he/him) is a Franco-Algerian director and producer, and co-founder of Koudéta Films. He specializes in documentaries on social issues, including climate justice, human rights, and forced migration. His credits have included work for Nova Productions, France Télévision, and Radio Nova. His documentary A Slide and Barbed Wire (2023) aired on French National Television, received critical acclaim, and played a role in a UNICEF impact campaign that influenced policy changes regarding the detention of migrant children in France. Sélim co-directed the short film “Enraizados (Our Roots Remain)” with Ivonne Serna, supported by The Redford Center, which premiered at COP29 and is currently running in festivals. He was a resident at the 2023 Documentary Campus Masterschool, IDFAcademy 2024 and is a member of Collectif 50/50, which advocates for gender parity and diversity in the film industry. Learn more: https://www.selimbenzeghia.com/
In making this film, our intention was to document and share a story that challenges the way we think about power, resilience, and the environment. Cherán is a living example of what happens when a community refuses to surrender to exploitation and instead, takes control of its own destiny. Our goal was not to romanticize Cherán’s struggle but to present it as it is—complex, difficult, and deeply rooted in a sense of responsibility to future generations. There’s so much more to Cherán’s story than we could fit into this film. So many voices, perspectives, and histories that deserve to be heard. What we’ve captured here is just the beginning—a starting point for deeper conversations about Indigenous-led solutions, self-governance, and environmental justice.
As you engage with these stories, we ask that you do so with the respect they deserve as these are real people's lived experiences, grounded in a deep connection to their and and community. We hope this film challenges you, informs you, and inspires you to consider the complexities of the fight for autonomy and climate justice. We’re eager to see how this film resonates with you, how it challenges perceptions, and how it contributes to the broader dialogue on these critical issues. And we’re excited to see what comes next, both for Cherán and for the ongoing global fight for a sustainable future.
Support Cherán Directly:
In agreement with our collaborators, we kindly ask that all forms of aid, donations, or support be directed to:
Concejo Mayor de Gobierno Comunal, Cherán K’eri
Portal Hidalgo No. 3, Centro
C.P. 60270, Cherán, Michoacán
Tel: (423) 594 22 10 & (423) 594 20 44
✉️ concejomayorcherankeri2024@gmail.com
Please reach out to them directly for any inquiries or support.