Draft:Amaruk Kayshapanta

Amaruk Kayshapanta
File:Amaruk Kayshapanta (Juan Carlos Caizapanta).jpg
Born	Amaruk Caizapanta Anchapacxi (1970-01-30) January 30, 1970 Ecuador – Quito
Occupations	actor, filmmaker

Amaruk Kayshapanta ((born Juan Carlos Caizapanta Anchapacxi, January 30, 1970, Quito, Ecuador) is an Ecuadorian actor and filmmaker who works primarily in Spanish film and television. He is known for his roles in the Spanish television series Hospital Central and Águila Roja, and for his appearances in feature films such as El guardián invisible (2017) and Oro (2017).

In addition to his acting career, Kayshapanta has been the subject of interviews and profiles in Spanish and Latin American media, where his work in cinema, documentaries, and cultural initiatives has been discussed. He has also participated in cultural events highlighting Latin American communities in Spain, including initiatives hosted by Casa América. He is a recipient of the Medal of the Spanish Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences, awarded to a group of Latin American performers for their contributions to Spanish cinema.

Biography

Amaruk Kayshapanta was born on January 30, 1970, in Quito, Ecuador. He belongs to the Kichwa Salasaca Mitimae Indigenous community of Ecuador. In interviews, he has described his cultural identity in relation to the historical concept of the Tawantinsuyu.

Career

Kayshapanta began his career in Spanish television, gaining recognition for roles in Hospital Central and Águila Roja. He has also appeared in films including El guardián invisible (2017) and Oro (2017) . His work was recognized by the Spanish Academy of Cinematic Arts and Sciences, awarding him a Gold Medal.

His film work also includes La boda (2012), a short film directed by Marina Seresesky that was nominated for the Goya Awards, in which he made a special appearance, Animales heridos (2006), directed by Ventura Pons, in which he portrayed Odranco, and Legado en los huesos (2019), directed by Fernando González Molina, in which he portrayed Jason Medina.

Beyond film and television, Kayshapanta has participated in theatre productions in Spain and in cultural events and discussions related to Latin American and Indigenous communities in Europe, including activities hosted by institutions such as Casa América.

He has been featured in interviews and profiles in major Spanish-language media, including La Vanguardia, El Comercio, and RTVE.

Cultural activity

In addition to his work in film, television, and theatre, Kayshapanta has participated in cultural and educational initiatives promoting Indigenous Andean heritage, intercultural dialogue, and the visibility of Latin American communities in Europe. He has taken part in events and discussions organized by institutions such as Casa América.

His involvement in these activities has been documented in Spanish and Latin American media, including interviews and profiles highlighting his contributions to cultural projects and public discourse.

Kayshapanta has participated in conferences and academic events focusing on Indigenous languages, cultural preservation, and social engagement. This includes the XVIII Jornadas Internacionales de Caridad y Voluntariado at the Universidad Católica de Murcia, which addressed Indigenous languages and involved more than 80 charitable organizations. He has also taken part in international forums on cultural and social equilibrium in Havana, Cuba, organized by UNESCO.

In interviews, Kayshapanta has described his approach to cultural work as using the arts to foster dialogue and visibility for migrant and Indigenous communities.

He has also been involved in projects combining media and cultural outreach. For example, in 2004 he contributed to Producciones Pachamama on Canal Latino TV, a channel aimed at Spanish-speaking audiences in Spain, promoting the representation of migrant communities.

Kayshapanta practices martial arts, including Taekwondo, and has spoken about integrating physical discipline with meditation and mental focus, applying these principles to his professional preparation and performances.

Filmography

Television

• 30 Coins (Treinta monedas) - The Stranger (2023)
• El nudo - Bodyguard (2020)
• Secretos de Estado - Shaman (2019)
• Ecuadorians in the World (2012)
• Immigrants in the World (2012)
• Family – Chulo (2012)
• La Fuga – Carioco (2012)
• Águila Roja – Maya Indian chief (2011)
• Aida – Paquino (2009)
• Hospital Central - Edgar (2008)
• The Heart of the City – Omar (2006)

Cinema

• Legado en los huesos (2019) – Jason Medina
• The Invisible Guardian (2017) directed by Fernando González Molina, portraying Janson Medina.
• Oro (2016) directed by Agustín Díaz Yanes, in which he portrayed Jeromillo in this historical epic about Spanish conquistadors.
• Third Degree (2013)
• Save Lives (2013)
• The Last Pill (2012)
• La boda (2012)
• Russian Dolls (2010)
• Death (2010)
• El Pincho (2008)
• Ayawaska (2008)
• Animales heridos (2006)

Publications / Books

Kayshapanta has published several books exploring Amawtismo and Andean cosmology, aiming to document Indigenous knowledge of the Andes and make it accessible to wider audiences.

• Flor Andino (2019, Ediciones Carena)
• Amawtismo: el origen del Universo Andino (2017, Ediciones Olimpus)
• El secreto de los Amawtas (2016, Ediciones Carena)
• Memorias de un Mitimae (2014, Ediciones Acidalia)

Theater / Stage Work

• Fuenteovejuna (2015) – staged at Teatro Joventut, Barcelona. Amaruk Kayshapanta performed in this production, contributing to his theater experience in Spain.

Awards and Recognitions

In 2012, Kayshapanta was recognized as a “Chasqui de Oro” (Golden Chasqui) at the annual El Chasqui de Oro community event in Flushing Meadows, New York, for his work promoting Andean culture and community engagement among Latin American immigrants.

In 2013, Kayshapanta was recognized as part of the 100 Latinos Madrid initiative, which highlights Latin American figures active in cultural and social fields in Spain.

Films in which Kayshapanta appeared, including El guardián invisible (2017) and Oro (2017), were officially registered in the context of the Goya Awards, Spain’s national film awards.

In 2022, he was among the Latin American actors awarded the Gold Medal of the Spanish Academy of Cinematic Arts and Sciences, an institutional distinction recognizing contributions to Spanish cinema.