Hilario Chi Canul

Who is Hilario Chi Canul?

Hilario Chi Canul is a Mexican linguist of Maya ethnicity who worked as a translator and Yucatec Maya language coach in the production of the 2006 movie Apocalypto by Mel Gibson. In 2007 he won the first prize in the Mexican governments competition of indigenous language rhetorics. He is Professor of Maya at the University of Quintana Roo. He has worked as Maya language narrator in a number of commercial, art, and educational films. He is also involved in the movement to revive Mexico's indigenous heritage. He has given talks about his experience as a Maya translator working in the film industry at several American Universities.