Meet the Characters of Coya

'Coya' tells the story of a young Inca girl who is sacrificed to the gods in a ritual called capacocha after her father, the emperor, passes away. Once in the afterlife, her loyal guide dog, Tika, leads her through the three stages of the afterlife—Ama Sua, Ama Lulla, and Ama Quella—while she is pursued by the god of death, Supay. Through courage and determination, Coya proves herself worthy and is granted entry to Hanan Pacha, the final resting place.

Original concept art for 'Coya' drawn by Amelie Eder

1. Coya

Coya is the daughter of the late Emperor and is thus sacrificed to appease the gods. She is the embodiment of the Emperor's living heart and thus must make the journey to Hanan Pacha to ultimately reunite with her father. She must pass through the three realms: Ama Sua, Ama Lulla, and Ama Quella. Coya is more tomboyish than most princesses and leads with different values than most in her position, choosing to follow her heart rather than her head in most instances. Demonstrating her intense loyalty, courage, and compassion throughout her journey.

Original concept art for 'Tika' drawn by Amelie Eder

2. Tika

Tika is Coya's spirit guide in the afterlife, originally gifted to Coya as a golden statue by her mother. Once in the afterlife, he sheds his gold form, transforming into a large Peruvian Hairless Dog. Tika is very stern and serious about his duties as Coyas' guide, leaving no room for error or emotions on the journey. He often gets frustrated at Coya for wanting to be his friend or being too compassionate in certain trials, in the end Tika learns to let his guard down, becoming more compassionate himself.

Original concept art for 'Supay' drawn by Amelie Eder

3. Supay

Supay is the spirit death and ruler of Uka Pacha, In the story he is in a weakened state desiring to regain strength he lost due to the absence of souls entering Uka Pacha. He is selfish, menacing, persistent, and greedy. He desires to sabotage Coya's trials, so she fails and can then be taken to Uka Pacha, once in Uka Pacha Suapy plans to drink Coya's royal blood to become powerful once again.

Original concept art for 'Apu' drawn by Amelie Eder

4. Apu

Apu is the guardian and mediator of Hanan Pacha and determines whether or not a soul is worthy of entering Hanan Pacha. Apu holds unwavering sense of peace, wisdom, and compassion, and is an all-knowing and powerful being, capable of keeping Supay the god of Uka Pacha in Check. Until a soul enters his territory, Apu remains asleep in Ama Quella hidden as a mountain range, large enough to block Hanan Pacha from view, only to reveal it to those he deems worthy of entry.

You can also meet these animated characters over on our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coya.film/