Currently in it’s seventh year, Petate Productions has emerged as a vital reaction to a changing global environment.   Due to mass migration to the United States, Oaxacan influence and culture has been severely displaced.  Petate Productions steps up to represent the needs of the tribal communities left behind.  The focus of the company is to transcribe the voices of sustainable indigenous communities in Mexico to their new, still very Oaxacan destinations throughout the U.S. 

For this reason, we are providing the commonwealth with an indispensable educational service. Our films offer a rare and unique glimpse into Oaxacan indigenous culture.  As a production house, moreover, we are equipped to provide an assortment of film and video production services for entrepreneurs and community organizations that want to share their perspectives through film and video.

Self expression and social change are at the heart of our productions. As with the intricately interlaced petate* mat, PETATE Productions weaves together stories, culture and ideas to bridge the gap of lost voices between home and abroad. 

Petate is a Mexican's most precious possession. Most commonly referred to as a sleeping mat, it is one of the most multipurpose items that a Mexican can own. Created by intricately woven leaves of dried palm trees, this staple is extremely durable and respected. The Mexican child learns the significance of petate at an early age. In the homes of poor families, every child is responsible for their own petate mat (their own bed). In addition, verbal expressions or slang terms of petate explain its charm and diversity. For example "Those fleas don't jump on my petate" is a play on words that emphasizes the elite status of the petate. Therefore, I decided to call this company Petate which refers to the symbolism and dynamic uses of this basic Mexican commodity.