The film 'To Die in the Desert' will be screened August 5 at the Park City Library. Photo: Vimeo

PARK CITY, Utah — Stop by the Park City Library for a free screening of “To Die in the Desert” (91 minutes), which parallels the themes of Kali Fajardo-Anstine’s 2024 One Book One Community book Woman of Light. Free popcorn is provided.

Northern Mexico is home to the last singers of Cardenche Song, a nostalgic melody of love, wailing and tragedy. This is a journey in search of this musical tradition, rooted in cotton farmers and miners now on the verge of extinction. Cardenche is sung a cappella in groups of three and has been shared from generation to generation. It takes the name of a cactus whose thorn—like love, the Cardenche singers note—goes in too easily but hurts like hell to take out. To Die in the Desert (A morir a los desiertos) is a dazzling new documentary that features heartbreaking musical performances that capture why this howl of a singing technique is so unique and important. Directed by Marta Ferrer.

The screening begins at 7 p.m.