JONDACHI

‘This project was conceived and written with the sole purpose of doing my version of theHero’s Journey.I wrote it over a series of months and carefullystoryboarded it with the idea of taking a modern day approach toAndean mythology. Not everything went to plan on the shoot and we had a bit of ourown journey but in the end it all fell into place.It was a real honour to premiere this to a full theatre at the BanffCentre for the Banff Mountain Film Festival. It isn’t a traditional adventure film and the reception was great.’

Jondachi Update:

This project was a significant learning experience for me as a storyteller, but I always felt there was a cultural gap in how it was presented. The story draws from Quechua mythology, and while we aimed to stay authentic, I initially made the creative choice to tell it in English.

In 2023, I revisited the project and redid the voiceover in Quechua. This decision addressed the gap and brought a deeper sense of cultural authenticity to the story. Now, I feel the project is truly complete, and I am incredibly proud of the final result.

Directed, Written, Co-Produced, Edited, Shot by Mike Mckay
Co-producer: Guy Erb
Director of Photography: Dylan Page
Cultural & Technical Consultant: Daniel Dixon
Aerials: Raphael Boudreault-Simard, Emrick Blanchette
Funding received from Ottawa Arts Council

Best Short Film International Outdoor Film Festival
Finalist Banff Mountain Film Festival
Finalist Vancouver International Film Festival