A Journey to the Soul of Guna Yala Returns to WPBT South Florida PBS

Monday, October 12, 2026 at 9:00 PM

A Journey to the Soul of Guna Yala, created by award-winning documentary filmmaker Stella Holmes, will rebroadcast Monday, October 12 at 9:00 PM on WPBT South Florida PBS.

The documentary follows a group of University of Miami students as they travel to Guna Yala, a chain of islands along the northern coast of Panama, to learn about the Indigenous Guna people and the cultural significance of molas, the colorful, intricately sewn textile art that reflects generations of stories and traditions.

“I have always been fascinated by the power of art to build bridges between very different cultures,” says Ms. Holmes.

The students were enrolled in ArtLab @ the Lowe, an innovative museum studies course created through a collaboration between the Lowe Art Museum and the University of Miami’s Department of Anthropology. Their study of molas led them beyond the classroom and into the Guna community, where they explored the origins, artistry, and cultural meaning of this important tradition. Living among the Guna people, the students discover a culture deeply connected to its roots while also experiencing a journey of personal discovery. Through striking imagery and intimate interviews with Guna leaders and mola makers, the film explores how art can create connections between cultures and open the door to greater understanding.

Watch the Trailer: https://vimeo.com/183703471