Ñakaj

Ñakaj is a short film made in 1987 by Gabriela Martínez Escobar and Daniel Aizenstat, based on Andean beliefs. The term "ñakaj" is mostly used in the Cusco region of Peru, while in other areas, such as the central highlands, the term "pishtaco" is used. The ñakaj is a character who steals human fat to sell to Dominican friars. This story is connected to the colonial era and possibly the Inquisition. The film was made by experimenting with blending documentary and fiction, something innovative for its time; it was filmed entirely in the citadel of Machu Picchu.

• Gabriela Martinez EscobarDirector
• Daniel AizenstatDirector

Release date

January 1, 1987

Status

Released

Original language

Spanish

Runtime

20m