Companion of the Setting Sun — Isabela Zawistowska

COMPANION OF THE SETTING SUN | Short Documentary

Companion of the Setting Sun is a short documentary that explores the transformation of Lake Xochimilco and the fragile survival of its most iconic resident: the axolotl. Immersing us in the daily lives of the chinamperos—traditional farmers who cultivate floating gardens—the film reveals the challenges they face in preserving their ancestral wetland farming practices while protecting the last wild populations of this endangered species. Against the backdrop of ecological decline and cultural resilience, the film paints an intimate portrait of coexistence, endurance, and hope.

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About the project

We are committed to protecting wild spaces and preserving the ancestral knowledge of the Xochimilca people. At the heart of our work is a deep respect for Indigenous wisdom, which we believe is essential to building a more resilient and sustainable planet in the face of climate change.

Indigenous women, in particular, have long been guardians of the land—carrying forward traditions, cultivating biodiversity, and leading efforts in conservation with unmatched knowledge and care.

Our film centers on the female-led narratives of Xochimilco, a region rich in culture and ecological importance. By uplifting the voices of Xochimilca women, we aim to honor their leadership and share their stories with the world—stories that carry lessons for all of us in how to live in harmony with the Earth.

Mission Statement

Companion of the Setting Sun is a short documentary that explores the transformation of Lake Xochimilco and the struggle for the survival of its iconic resident—the wild Axolotl. Immersed in the daily rhythms of the chinamperos, the film delves into the challenges of maintaining centuries-old wetland farming practices while fighting to preserve a vanishing ecosystem.

At the heart of the story is 86-year-old Doña Susana, the last of her generation of chinamperas. Raised on ancestral knowledge passed down through generations, she now bears witness to its gradual disappearance. Her reflections carry both sorrow and strength, as she recalls a time when Xochimilco’s canals teemed with vibrant flowers and Axolotls swam freely.

Despite the devastation she’s seen, Doña Susana holds onto a quiet hope—that this way of life, and the wild Axolotl, can still endure. Through her maternal wisdom, she continues to advocate for the chinampero way, passing on her knowledge to younger generations in a fight to protect what remains of Lake Xochimilco.

The Story

Through this film, we aim to shine a light on the critical challenges facing the chinampero community and the rapidly declining axolotl population in Lake Xochimilco. Rampant urbanization, pollution, and environmental neglect threaten to erase this vital ecosystem—experts predict that without action, the lake could vanish by 2050.

This film is intended not only as a documentary but as a catalyst for change: a tool to educate, inspire dialogue, and unite the chinampero community. By fostering local and global awareness, we hope to elevate Indigenous voices, amplify female perspectives, and advocate for the protection of our shared natural heritage.

We are actively engaged with international bodies such as UNESCO and the IUCN World Conservation Congress, aligning our work with global conservation and cultural preservation efforts. Our ultimate goal is to influence policy, inspire grassroots movements, and support a sustainable future for Xochimilco and beyond.

Our goal

Director’s Statement | Isabela Zawistowska

My journey as a naturalist began in the mossy forests of the Pacific Northwest, foraging for mushrooms with my family. Those early days in the mountains shaped my connection to the land and planted the seeds of a deep storytelling instinct—one that seeks to intertwine nature with the human spirit.

Companion of the Setting Sun is a documentary that breaks away from traditional environmental formats. Rooted in the spiritual world, this film follows women—particularly Indigenous women—who carry generations of ecological wisdom. It’s not just about conservation; it’s about connection, resilience, and honoring ancestral knowledge in the face of a changing planet.

As a woman of Mexican ancestry, I believe in the power of elevating female voices, especially those that have long been silenced. This film is a testament to that belief—an offering to the women who guide us back to the Earth, and a call to protect what they so intimately understand.

Companion of the Setting Sun isn’t just a film. It’s a movement toward storytelling that heals, empowers, and reimagines our relationship with the natural world.

Meet the Team