Yanga 1609 short film to depict historical anti-slavery resistance in Veracruz

The trailer for the short film ‘Yanga 1609’ has been presented in Veracruz, aiming to showcase the historical legacy of Gaspar Yanga. The production seeks to highlight the ‘third root’ of Mexico by narrating the story of the African prince who escaped slavery in Veracruz and led a resistance that eventually resulted in the Spanish Crown declaring his village free.

Directed and written by Isaías Gómez Castro, the 14-minute film intends to humanize Yanga, portraying him not only as a warrior and leader but also as a man with a family and personal life. The cast includes Harding Junior as Yanga and Karla Cerón as Malaika.

The production plans an international festival circuit, with a Latin American premiere scheduled for March 2027 in Guadalajara, Mexico. Future screenings are being considered for Aspen in the United States, Japan, and potentially Barcelona or England.