Faces of Oaxaca: Dan Goldberg on the Stories Behind the People and Their Food

In this interview, Dan Goldberg shares insights into his latest photography project, which delves into the rich culinary and cultural heritage of Oaxaca. His project aims to produce short films that celebrate the diverse traditions of Oaxacan cuisine while highlighting the importance of community. Belly Button is his first short film released about Oaxaca, and he has plans for five more short films. Through a series of evocative images and personal stories, he captures the essence of Oaxaca’s vibrant culture and its resilient, creative communities.

Can you please give a brief overview of the project?

The idea is to create a short film that celebrates the vibrant and diverse culinary and cultural heritage of Oaxaca, with a focus on the vital role of the community. This series of stills provides a glimpse into these short films series. The first chapter, which is about Mole, has been released. I'm currently editing the next two chapters, which are about Mezcal and Maize.

My goal is to inspire viewers to recognize the power of food in bringing people together and to deepen their understanding of Oaxaca's people, who are renowned for their warmth, hospitality, and rich traditions. I want to explore how food serves as a lifeline for preserving indigenous cultures.  Beyond showcasing Oaxacan cuisine and culture, I also hope to highlight the resilience and creativity of rural communities as they navigate economic and environmental challenges.

What inspired/prompted this shoot? 

These moments of sharing a meal are the kinds of stories I’m passionate about telling and I’ve always believed that taking the time to gather for meals, drinks, and conversation is at the heart of what truly matters. Food provides not just comfort, but also hope. Each meal serves as a powerful reminder that cooking and sharing a table with loved ones—whether family, friends, or even strangers—is one of the most profound and universal ways to connect. The food and culture in Oaxaca are incredibly rich, and I wanted to showcase how these indigenous communities not only survive but thrive through farming, cooking, and nourishing their families and communities.

How do you think your personal experiences influenced this project? 

Traveling around the world and immersing myself in a new culture is very exciting to me. I spent 5 years working on a cookbook in Cuba and have taken numerous other trips to Central and South America. Spending time with complete strangers makes me a better person. It teaches me to appreciate what I have, where I live and how I can better help others. 

Was this a personal project? If so, why do you think personal projects are important to you? 

Yes this is an ongoing personal passion project. Personal projects have always been important to me and keep me extremely motivated, excited, and passionate about my craft and my career. I feel so fortunate to do what I love and I really enjoy sharing these projects with my clients. I think they also enjoy seeing what I’m doing when I’m not working on commercial projects. My advice to any young photographer, or director is to keep pursuing new and exciting personal projects. It feeds your soul and makes you better at your craft!

Can you please tell me about the people/talent from this project? What are their stories? What is their relationship with this food? 

I've met so many amazing people on my travels, it’s hard to know where to start. In the small village of Rojas de Cuauhtémoc, I had the pleasure of meeting María Luiza Araceli Canseco Mendéz, a local cooking legend. She told me a memorable story: “Once I finished primary school, I asked my father where to continue studying. He told me that I was a girl and that I would end up in the kitchen anyway, so I need not study.” Although she was initially disappointed, she embraced her role and learned Oaxacan cuisine from her grandmothers. Today, she’s passing those skills on to her daughter Marichelle. They are both featured in Belly Button Video Chapter 1: Mole.

We spent a fantastic day with Maria and Marichelle, starting with a stroll through a vibrant market full of incredible sights and smells. I love exploring food markets when I travel, and this one was a real treat. Back at their home, they made tortillas and cooked Mole, and we ended the day enjoying one of the best meals I’ve ever had. What started as meeting strangers turned into a close connection, and I’m looking forward to returning to work on a cookbook with María and Marichelle. It’s so important to document their recipes and cultural heritage for future generations.

Why do you think it is important to photograph the people behind the food?  

They are the ones who create the food, who make the meals, who feed their communities. The best part about cooking is seeing people smile and enjoying the food. As a past cook and sous chef I know this well! It is their stories and their love that make the food so good. One of the women we met said “without corn, there is no country.” Well, without cooks there is no food.

What were some highlights of the shoot? 

Meeting complete strangers who will be lifelong friends! Seeing a part of the world that will forever be ingrained in my soul. Eating something as simple as a squash blossom quesadilla and wondering how it can be one of the greatest things I have ever eaten. Finding serendipitous moments around every corner. We had a plan for our shoots, but those changed by the hour. If I saw something inspiring or beautiful we would stop the car and get out and shoot. It was very spontaneous and magical. I don’t often have this luxury with my commercial shoots.

What brought you to Oaxaca?  

The amazing food brought me to Oaxaca, but the people are the ones bringing me back. Their stories, their passion, their love for community and family. These photographic ruminations are a reminder of all that is possible when we tell ourselves to not only see but also to share what we see in the world.