AÑAY KACHI

Cristóbal Ruiz - Chile / Canada - 12’ - documentary

Best Short Film - CAI Award at Ona Film Festival  

At 3,300 m above sea level, in the Peruvian Andes, indigenous people have been harvesting salt by hand for over 600 years, prior to the Inca times.  After many years of struggle and unfair working conditions, the salt workers became owners of the salt mine, creating a communal company. 

Today they proudly own and operate the salt business. Through the eyes of Laurita, a 65-year-old indigenous salt worker, this short film explores the cultural meaning that this place has for the people of Maras and how it is shaping the future of the next generations.

Cristóbal Ruiz

Cristóbal Ruiz is a Vancouver-based film director originally from southern Chile. Immigrating to Canada at 19, he discovered his passion for filmmaking and uses his multicultural background to craft compelling visual stories. Through his company, Pachamama Film, he collaborates with purpose-driven brands and organizations on projects involving athletes, adventure, remote communities, and resilience. His portfolio includes work with major brands like North Face and Adidas Terrex, and platforms such as Showtime and WaterBear Network. Known for his emotional depth and striking visuals, Cristóbal excels in filming challenging conditions, particularly in remote and mountainous areas, bringing a human-centered approach to his projects.