Educational Media Reviews Online

This documentary is set in Maranhão, Brazil and features the Guajajara and Awá cultures, who’s native land is being threatened by the logging industry. A group of Guajajara people take it upon themselves to defend their land, as there is no support from the government. It is a dangerous business, and the film captures the many aspects of the issue, as well as the lives and culture of the people involved.

The film does so many things right and has all the components a great documentary should have, which unfortunately are often absent these days. It does well to focus on this one situation and place, and doesn't attempt to cover much else, as some films do. The pacing and length of the film is also spot on; it’s full of content and isn’t longer than it ought to be. There is a great balance of natural dialog taking place in the footage and interview or storytelling dialog to explain the history and present events. Also appreciated is the on-screen text with the speakers’ names and brief description of who they are.

The documentary covers a number of subjects including, ethics, the logging business, deforestation, native peoples, human rights, area studies of Latin and South American, and current events. As a result, it would be ideal for classes in the social sciences or humanities, particularly geography, international studies, politics, or environmental studies. It’s certainly suitable for general adult or college audiences, however there are some graphic scenes that might not be appropriate for high school or younger viewers.

Awards:
Best Documentary, Santiago del Estero Film Festival, Argentina; Audience Award, The Natur Vision Film Festival, Germany; Rigoberta Menchú Community Award, Présence Autochtone International First Peoples' Festival, Canada; Jury Special Mention, WATCH DOCS International Film Festival, Poland

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