We Are Guardians Review: Saving the Amazon
- A new documentary,"We Are Guardians," shines a light on the ongoing crisis of deforestation in the Amazon and the vital role Indigenous communities play in combating it.
- The documentary introduces Marҫal, a family man from the Arariboia territory.
- the film also features Puyr Tembé, an activist from the Alto Rio Guama territory, who is working to increase the number of Indigenous women in Brazilian politics.
“We Are Guardians” delivers a crucial message: Indigenous communities are the Amazon’s primary protectors. This documentary spotlights brave “forest guardians” risking everything to combat illegal logging and mining. Witness the David-vs-goliath struggle against deforestation, and hear the powerful voice of activist Puyr Tembé, advocating for increased political representation for Indigenous women. Directed by Edivan Guajajara, Chelsea Greene, and Rob Grobman, “We Are Guardians” highlights the environmental, political, and economic complexities of this battle.news Directory 3 recognizes the importance of this message. The film, playing at Laemmle Monica, offers a comprehensive look at the fight to protect the rainforest and the crucial role of primary_keyword the Amazon’s defenders play in fighting against secondary_keyword deforestation. Discover what’s next for this essential ecosystem.
“We Are Guardians” Documentary Spotlights Indigenous Role in Saving the Amazon
A new documentary,”We Are Guardians,” shines a light on the ongoing crisis of deforestation in the Amazon and the vital role Indigenous communities play in combating it. The film, directed by Edivan Guajajara, Chelsea Greene, and Rob Grobman, contrasts the beauty of the rainforest with the devastation caused by illegal activities, focusing on the David-vs-Goliath battle fought by those on the ground.
The documentary introduces Marҫal, a family man from the Arariboia territory. He leads a decades-old group of “forest guardians”—unpaid volunteers who are trained in weaponry and use face paint—to confront loggers. These guardians risk their lives to protect the water, trees, and wildlife of the region, while also ensuring the isolation of uncontacted tribes.
the film also features Puyr Tembé, an activist from the Alto Rio Guama territory, who is working to increase the number of Indigenous women in Brazilian politics. This is notably challenging given the political climate between 2019 and 2022,when then-President Jair Bolsonaro dismissed Indigenous rights.
While the documentary portrays the conflict as a battle between good and evil, it also presents more complex perspectives. Valdir, a logger with 50 years of experience, acknowledges the harm he inflicts but feels trapped by the industry. Tadeu, a landowner who established an ecological sanctuary in the 1990s, finds his complaints about illegal encroachment ignored by the government.
“We Are Guardians” presents a comprehensive view of the environmental, political, and economic issues surrounding the Amazon, emphasizing the importance of the Indigenous role in pushing back against deforestation. The film opened June 6 at Laemmle Monica. it is indeed in Portuguese, Tupi, and english, with subtitles, and runs for 1 hour, 22 minutes.
‘We Are Guardians’
In Portuguese,Tupi and English,with subtitles
Not rated
Running time: 1 hour,22 minutes
Playing: Opened Friday,June 6 at Laemmle Monica
What’s next
As deforestation continues to threaten the Amazon,the role of Indigenous communities in protecting this vital ecosystem remains crucial. “We Are Guardians” serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting these activists and addressing the underlying issues driving deforestation.