We Are Guardians: An Insightful Documentary on Amazon’s Indigenous Protectors
In 2019, documentarians Chelsea Greene and Rob Grobman were driven by alarming footage of the Amazon forest burning, each independently traveling to Brazil with the aspiration of producing a film. Fate intertwined their paths when a journalist introduced them, leading to a powerful collaboration that blossomed further during the COVID lockdown. While unwinding on a Brazilian beach, they encountered Edivan Guajajara, co-founder of Mídia Indígena, Brazil’s foremost Indigenous-led journalism collectives. Moved by his story, the trio agreed to co-direct a film—"We Are Guardians"—that highlights the valiant efforts of Indigenous forest protectors combatting rampant deforestation and environmental degradation in the Amazon. With Leonardo DiCaprio on board as an executive producer and Oscar-winner Fisher Stevens as a producer, the film is set to premiere at Laemmle Monica Film Center from June 6-12.
The documentary employs a verité style, immersing viewers in the real-time efforts of the Guardians, who face challenges from loggers and farmers employing destructive practices. The film critiques not only local and national officials, including former president Jair Bolsonaro, but also multinational corporations like Cargill and JBS. It exposes complex narratives behind deforestation, showcasing the systemic issues and powerful players contributing to destruction far beyond the Amazon’s borders. In a recent conversation, Greene, Grobman, and Guajajara shared insights into their experiences filming and the film’s potential impact.
Addressing the complexities of community relations, Guajajara noted initial skepticism among his people towards the documentary crew due to previous negative experiences with media entities that failed to follow through on commitments. However, over time, the filmmakers cultivated trust through consistent engagement and support. Greene emphasized their dedication to integrity, promising to document the realities faced by the community. This commitment resulted in a deeper understanding of both the Indigenous perspective and the importance of meaningful relationships in storytelling.
The film captures the grim reality that more than 600 Indigenous people have lost their lives in the struggle to protect their land. Yet, it also highlights a proactive approach among the Guardians, who are receiving formal training geared towards effectively monitoring their territories. Greene affirms that regions with organized monitoring teams experience significantly fewer invasions and instances of deforestation. By utilizing tools like drones for surveillance and community-developed conflict de-escalation techniques, the Guardians are learning vital strategies to protect their home with a focus on non-violent intervention.
An integral part of the narrative involves representing Brazilian loggers and farmers. Grobman stresses the importance of presenting multiple viewpoints to fully understand the complexities of the Amazon’s challenges. He argues that these individuals are often caught in cycles of systemic pressure, lacking alternatives. The documentary thus encourages a holistic understanding rather than simply vilifying those who contribute to ecological harm. Greene adds that sustainable solutions cannot be achieved without including the insights of local communities, which echoes the documentary’s focus on inclusivity and collaboration.
While the film critiques Bolsonaro’s policies—illustrating him as a central antagonist—it also suggests that the issues plaguing the Amazon existed long before his administration and are deeply rooted within a broader capitalist system. Greene pointed out that despite a rare decrease in deforestation rates following Bolsonaro’s electoral loss, challenges persist, particularly amid ongoing climate change impacts. With the Amazon reaching a tipping point, the future remains uncertain, but the film showcases the resilience of Indigenous communities that continue to advocate for their land.
Indeed, the documentary offers glimmers of hope, particularly with its portrayal of Indigenous women gaining ground in political representation. Greene emphasizes that increased female leadership is vital, especially in overcoming the influences of powerful corporations undermining environmental protections. Guajajara echoes this sentiment, noting that the film empowers Indigenous perspectives and catalyzes critical conversations. While change is not instantaneous, these narratives highlight the essential responsibility that all of humanity bears—to be guardians of the Earth, working collectively to protect our shared environment.
In sum, "We Are Guardians" serves as both a poignant documentary and an urgent call to action, capturing the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous environmental protectors in the Amazon. Through powerful storytelling, the film seeks to inspire a broader dialogue while illuminating the intricate web of relations that define both the challenges and potential solutions within this vital ecosystem. With its premiere, the documentary stands as a reminder of the interconnectedness of our fight against environmental destruction, urging all of us to recognize our roles as guardians of the planet.
