The Shaman of Sierra Madre tells the story of Vihillio, Shaman of the Tarahumara. Marek Baranski Director and Ethnographer, spent a number of years developing a close relationship with Rurimari peoples also known as the Tarahumara. Unique footage of triabal celebrations and rites captured by Baranski can be found nowhere else.

This film follows the Shaman as he carries out his duties over the four days Easter celebrations, a combination of first nation mysticism and christianity, the Shaman combines both without any conflict with the Church. In an intimate interview "Vihillio" describes how in his dreams, he brings back souls of the lost Tarahumara peoples.

Vihillio's responsibilities include the formal purification and protection of the village - and the ceremony for the departed souls of the tribe. The Shaman explains that the after they die, a woman requires four ceremonies and only only three for men; Vihillio's main duty is to find the lost souls which have left their bodies and bring them back. Tarahumaras have more than one soul. When one of the souls leave the body, one can become sick or even die. Vihillio does his job in his dreams. There is much wisdom in the Tarahumara, as Father Verplanken discovered when he went to minister them. Wisely he decided to leave their beliefs alone, and build them a hospital to care for thier children instead.

You can watch the entire film HERE