Kallawaya Healers: Ancient Medicine of the Andes

High in the Bolivian Andes, Max Chura Mamani carries the ancient healing wisdom of the Kallawaya, a lineage of doctors who once treated Incan kings. With deep knowledge of over 1,000 medicinal plants, he astounds Western scientists and preserves traditions that have survived centuries of change.

From his mountain garden at 3,000 meters, Max mentors his young apprentice, Johnny, passing down the secrets of ancestral medicine. Together, they journey on foot from village to village, offering cures to those in need.

In the brutal mines of Potosí, where silver extraction comes at a deadly cost, they meet Mathias, a worker plagued by "susto"—a soul-draining affliction caused by the punishing conditions underground. Max teaches Johnny how to heal not just the body, but the spirit, as they continue their sacred mission across the Andes.

Through breathtaking landscapes and intimate encounters, this documentary reveals the profound connection between ancient wisdom, natural medicine, and the sacred mountains of Bolivia.

Documentary: Living Cultures – Kallawaya, Son of Lightning
Directed by: Jean Queyrat
Production : ZED