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Sister Jaguar's Journey

Sande Zeig
United States, 2016, 20 min.

In English.

SISTER JAGUAR'S JOURNEY tells the story of Judy Bisignano, her difficult childhood and her decision to become a Dominican nun, where she was met with more abuse. Ever the survivor, she founded radical alternative schools, yet when the school for the Mexican-American community in Tucson closed, she was forced to confront the devastating affects of her lifelong anger. Her journey takes her to the Ecuadorian rainforest and the sacred rituals of the Achuar people. It was here in this place, with these special people, that she found God, healing and forgiveness. The Achuar call her Sister Jaguar, and so will you.

Director's Statement

When my close friend Sandra Morse asked me if I wanted to come with her to the Amazon rainforest and make a film about Sister Judy. I was intrigued. I had heard for some years about some of Sandra's work in schools with Sister Judy. I did not know anything about Sister Judy's history or life. So working on this film was a process of discovery for me. From the moment we met in Quito, everything started to be revealed. I hope that viewers will have the same sense of discovery. Sister J's story was an inspiration to me and I hope the film inspires others.

Category: Documentary.
Themes: Identity, Religion, Women, Indigenous.