Marino Mariano is a fisherman and self-taught musician from an Afro-Mexican community in Collantes, on the Costa Chica of Oaxaca. Despite being illiterate, he has composed more than 40 songs over his lifetime. Now in his late 60s, Marino begins recording the songs he Marino Mariano is a fisherman and self-taught musician from an Afro-Mexican community in Collantes, on the Costa Chica of Oaxaca. Despite being illiterate, he has composed more than 40 songs over his lifetime. Now in his late 60s, Marino begins recording the songs he still remembers, determined to preserve them before they are lost. Along the way, he reconnects with other local musicians—“The Authentics”—who share a similar desire to preserve their musical traditions and personal histories.