Tribute to Cusco’s Rich Incan Heritage

Echoes of ancient civilizations resonate through the cobblestone streets in the documentary “Qosqo” unveiling the untold story of Norma Sanchez de Incaroca, a woman deeply rooted in the rich heritage of the Incan city, Cusco. The film is a labor of love by filmmaker Emma Wheeler Volz who paints a vivid portrait of Norma’s life and her unwavering dedication to preserving her ancestral language of Quechua.

The beginnings of “Qosqo” trace back to Emma’s time as a service volunteer in Peru, where a chance encounter with Norma blossomed into a profound friendship. Over the years their connection endured and it became the catalyst for an immersive exploration into Norma’s world through the lens of a short documentary.

The production of “Qosqo” was a very collaborative. Emma reflected on the journey, stating, “Norma was constantly involved and consulted throughout the entire process, as my greatest priority was telling a story authentic to Norma’s experience.”

As Emma delved into the production, her favorite moments were revisiting familiar Cusqueñan sites with a newfound understanding of their significance to Norma. “I felt as though I could see, at least to a small degree, the beautiful cathedrals, murals, and ruins through her eyes,” Emma shared.

The tight timeframe of Emma’s visit to Cusco posed a significant obstacle during post-production. The initial vision had to evolve, pushing Emma to think creatively about every frame. “Over time, the story naturally took shape and ultimately became a product greater than I had anticipated,” she remarked.

Reflecting on the filmmaking process, Emma expressed a desire for more time with Norma, feeling that the documentary only scratched the surface of her profound perspective and community engagement. Yet, this limitation fueled Emma’s creativity, leading to a film that exceeded her initial expectations.

Emma offered valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers rooted in her documentary experience: “Be sensitive to the needs of the subject and story you’re exploring.” She encouraged flexibility in approach, acknowledging that nonfiction filmmaking is an unpredictable journey filled with surprises.

“Qosqo” is an official selection of the Utah International Film Festival, with a screening scheduled at Maven Cinemas in American Fork, UT. As audiences immerse themselves in Norma’s world, Emma teased that more documentaries are on the horizon. For updates on future projects and other endeavors, enthusiasts can follow Emma on Instagram @memsfilms.