The Amazon rainforest, a vibrant, pulsing heart of our planet, is under siege. Looming threats like deforestation and illegal mining jeopardize not only its breathtaking biodiversity but the very air we breathe. But amidst the struggle, a beacon of hope shines: the brave individuals dedicating their lives to protecting this irreplaceable ecosystem.
Guardians of the Green: “We Are Guardians” Shines a Light on Amazon Rainforest Protectors
The Urgent Message of “We Are Guardians”
Area23a’s upcoming documentary, “We Are Guardians,” directed by Edivan Guajajara, Chelsea Greene, and Rob Grobman, takes viewers deep into the heart of the Amazon rainforest, spotlighting the tireless efforts of Indigenous protectors who stand as a bulwark against rampant deforestation. With its compelling narrative and urgent message, the film serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of environmental destruction and the vital role Indigenous communities play in safeguarding this irreplaceable ecosystem.
“We Are Guardians” shines a light on the complex web of interconnected threats facing the Amazon, from industrial logging and mining to agricultural expansion. It exposes the grim reality of deforestation’s impact – not only on the rainforest’s biodiversity but also on the livelihoods and cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples who have called this land home for generations.
The film centers on the Tembé and Guajajara, two Indigenous groups who have been at the forefront of the fight to protect their ancestral lands. These brave guardians patrol vast stretches of rainforest, confronting illegal loggers and land grabbers, and tirelessly advocating for their rights and the preservation of their environment.
Through intimate portrayals of these guardians, “We Are Guardians” emphasizes the profound connection Indigenous communities have with the Amazon. Their deep understanding of the rainforest’s intricate ecosystems and their traditional knowledge of sustainable living practices offer invaluable insights into how to protect this vital natural resource.
The film’s message is clear: the fate of the Amazon is inextricably linked to the well-being of all humanity. The destruction of this irreplaceable ecosystem has far-reaching consequences, contributing to climate change, biodiversity loss, and social injustice. “We Are Guardians” calls for global solidarity and collective action to safeguard the Amazon and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Behind the Lens: Exploring the Filmmaking Process
The production of “We Are Guardians” is a testament to the power of collaborative storytelling. The film is a co-production between Fisher Stevens’ highly acclaimed production company, Highly Flammable, and Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way Productions, both renowned for their commitment to environmental activism and impactful storytelling.
The film’s director, Edivan Guajajara, is a co-founder of MÃdia IndÃgena, Brazil’s leading Indigenous-led journalism collective. His unique perspective as an Indigenous filmmaker brings authenticity and depth to the narrative, ensuring the voices and experiences of the Tembé and Guajajara communities are at the forefront.
Chelsea Greene and Rob Grobman, renowned environmental filmmakers, co-direct the project, bringing their expertise in capturing the beauty and fragility of the natural world. Their intimate vérité style allows viewers to connect with the guardians on a deeply personal level, fostering empathy and understanding.
The film’s release strategy reflects its commitment to amplifying the voices of the Amazon’s protectors. Area23a, a leading theatrical distributor, will release “We Are Guardians” theatrically on June 6 in Los Angeles, followed by a nationwide 50-city screening tour. This strategic approach aims to engage a wider audience and spark meaningful conversations about the urgent need to protect the Amazon.
In addition to its theatrical release, “We Are Guardians” will be distributed globally by ZDF Studios’ Off the Fence and has been acquired by Netflix for a release across Latin America. This multi-platform approach ensures that the film’s message reaches a global audience, raising awareness about the plight of the Amazon and its protectors.
The film’s release is accompanied by a comprehensive impact campaign that aims to translate the film’s message into tangible action. The campaign will support the work of the Tembé and Guajajara guardians, provide funding for reforestation efforts, and mobilize individuals and communities to become involved in the fight to protect the Amazon.
A Collaborative Effort
The production and distribution of ‘We Are Guardians’ exemplifies a collaborative effort between key stakeholders, including producers Fisher Stevens and Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way, distributor Area23a, and environmental filmmakers Chelsea Greene and Rob Grobman. This collective approach highlights the importance of partnerships in addressing pressing environmental issues, such as rainforest protection.
Area23a’s acquisition of ‘We Are Guardians’ marks a significant step in the film’s dissemination, with a planned theatrical release in Los Angeles on June 6, followed by a nationwide 50-city tour. This strategic move aims to reach a broader audience and amplify the film’s impact.
Producer Fisher Stevens emphasizes the urgency of the film’s message, stating, “With the current administration gutting the EPA and NOAA, along with decimating climate protections, the message and impact of We Are Guardians to protect our world’s lungs is more vital and urgent than ever before.”
Kirt Eftekhar, owner of Area23a, comments on the partnership, saying, “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the teams at Highly Flammable, Appian Way, Random Good, and the filmmakers behind We Are Guardians. This visually stunning film—made for the big screen experience—offers communities across North America a unique opportunity to come together, spark impactful discussion, and take part in the mission to protect the Amazon.”
Verité Style
‘We Are Guardians’ employs a verité style, characterized by its immersive approach and focus on character-driven storytelling. This cinematic technique allows the audience to experience the struggles and triumphs of the Amazon’s Indigenous defenders firsthand, creating an emotional connection that underscores the importance of rainforest protection.
The film’s director, Edivan Guajajara, comments on the importance of this approach, saying, “We Are Guardians was just a seed…real and definitive impact in the Amazon was always the ultimate goal.”
By adopting a verité style, the filmmakers aim to humanize the issue of deforestation and highlight the complex intersections of politics, history, economics, and science that contribute to the Amazon’s destruction.
As the film’s release approaches, it is essential to acknowledge the significance of this cinematic approach in conveying the emotional weight of the struggle for rainforest protection.
Amplifying Indigenous Narratives
‘We Are Guardians’ centers Indigenous voices and perspectives, challenging dominant narratives surrounding the Amazon. By amplifying the stories of the Tembé and Guajajara forest guardians, the film sheds light on the complexities of their struggles and the importance of their contributions to rainforest protection.
Director Edivan Guajajara, a co-founder of MÃdia IndÃgena, Brazil’s leading Indigenous-led journalism collective, brings a unique perspective to the film. His involvement ensures that the narrative remains authentic and true to the experiences of the Amazon’s Indigenous defenders.
The film’s focus on Indigenous narratives serves as a powerful counterpoint to the dominant narratives that often marginalize or ignore the contributions of these communities. By prioritizing their voices, ‘We Are Guardians’ fosters a deeper understanding of the Amazon’s ecological and cultural significance.
As the film’s release approaches, it is essential to acknowledge the significance of this approach in challenging dominant narratives and amplifying Indigenous voices.
Impact Beyond the Screen: “We Are Guardians” Sparks Change
Financial Support for Guardians
‘We Are Guardians’ impact campaign provides direct financial support to the Indigenous communities protecting the rainforest. By donating a portion of the film’s proceeds, the campaign aims to support the guardians’ ongoing efforts to preserve the Amazon.
The impact campaign also highlights the need for sustained support and funding for the guardians’ work. By engaging audiences worldwide, the campaign aims to mobilize resources and attention for the Amazon’s plight.
As the film’s release approaches, it is essential to acknowledge the significance of this campaign in providing tangible support to the Indigenous communities protecting the Amazon.
Reforestation Initiatives
The ‘We Are Guardians’ team has taken concrete steps to restore damaged ecosystems in the Amazon. By engaging in reforestation initiatives, the team demonstrates a commitment to practical action and tangible results.
The reforestation efforts aim to mitigate the damage caused by deforestation and promote the long-term health of the Amazon. By engaging in this work, the team sets an example for others to follow and underscores the importance of hands-on action in addressing environmental issues.
As the film’s release approaches, it is essential to acknowledge the significance of these reforestation initiatives in promoting tangible action and results.
Raising Awareness
‘We Are Guardians’ has the potential to educate and mobilize audiences worldwide in support of rainforest conservation. By sharing the stories of the Amazon’s Indigenous defenders, the film humanizes the issue and fosters empathy and understanding.
The film’s impact campaign, which includes the reforestation initiatives and financial support for guardians, aims to engage audiences worldwide and mobilize resources for the Amazon’s plight.
As the film’s release approaches, it is essential to acknowledge the significance of this campaign in raising awareness about the Amazon’s ecological and cultural significance.
Conclusion
In a groundbreaking development, Area23a has finally set a release date for ‘We Are Guardians,’ a powerful film that sheds light on the Amazon rainforest protectors. The movie, produced by Fisher Stevens and executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, promises to bring attention to the courageous individuals fighting to preserve the delicate ecosystem of the Amazon. The film’s narrative is woven around the true stories of these guardians, highlighting their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The release date marks a significant milestone in the fight to raise awareness about the pressing issue of deforestation and its far-reaching consequences.
The significance of ‘We Are Guardians’ cannot be overstated. The film serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving our planet’s biodiversity and the urgent need to protect the Amazon rainforest. The movie’s release will undoubtedly spark conversations about the impact of human actions on the environment and the role individuals can play in making a difference. Furthermore, the involvement of respected producers like Fisher Stevens and Leonardo DiCaprio lends credibility to the film’s message and amplifies its reach. As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, ‘We Are Guardians’ arrives at a pivotal moment, offering a call to action that resonates with audiences and inspires collective responsibility.
The release of ‘We Are Guardians’ marks the beginning of a new chapter in the conversation about environmental conservation. As the film reaches theaters, it will challenge viewers to reexamine their relationship with the natural world and consider the consequences of their actions. In the face of overwhelming evidence about the devastating impact of deforestation, ‘We Are Guardians’ reminds us that individual actions can collectively lead to a brighter, more sustainable future. The film’s message is clear: the fate of the Amazon rainforest is in our hands, and the time for action is now.