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‘We Are Guardians’ is a window into on-the-ground efforts to save the Amazon rainforest

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Remember, amid all the other pressing news topics, it’s crucial not to overlook the ongoing catastrophe that is deforestation in the Amazon. This issue is rapidly approaching a tipping point where we may lose our capacity to mitigate its devastating effects on our planet.

Movies tend to favor superheroes who face off their foes with grand confidence. On the other hand, documentaries flourish by spotlighting underdogs. In the fight against illegal logging and mining that’s destroying South America’s lush rainforest, Indigenous people have proven their resilience in the face of roaring chainsaws or noisy politicians. The film “We Are Guardians,” directed by Edivan Guajajara, Chelsea Greene, and Rob Grobman, is a recent documentary that brings cameras to the Amazon to depict the contrast between beauty and destruction, as well as the David vs. Goliath struggle as it unfolds on the ground.

Meet Marҫal, a soft-spoken family man hailing from the Indigenous territory of Arariboia, who leads an older team of unpaid, weapon-trained, masked “forest protectors.” These individuals engage in confrontations with loggers, often sneaking up on them to minimize personal risk (as their adversaries are also armed). Marçal passionately articulates his comprehensive perspective on their mission: preserving the water sources, forests, and wildlife of the region. However, he also expresses worry about safeguarding the Amazon’s uncontacted tribes from any interference.

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Simultaneously, activist Puyr Tembé from Alto Rio Guama territory is making efforts to increase the number of Indigenous women in politics and positions of power – quite a challenge during the years (primarily filmed between 2019 and 2022) when President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil, who was strongly supportive of agribusiness, openly belittled and ignored the rights of Indigenous communities. As Tembé explains, fostering change requires a renewal not only of the mind but also of the heart.

In this documentary, these steadfast individuals undeniably win our respect amidst the moral spectrum of the struggle. However, intricacies lend structure to the film, such as the focus on an old-school logger named Valdir, who willingly allowed himself to be filmed. A logger for more than half a century since he was 8, he is well aware of his job’s flaws but finds himself caught in the jaws of the industry, a necessity for his family’s livelihood. Interestingly, even affluent landowners like Tadeu, a businessman who established an ecological sanctuary on his 28,000 hectares in the 1990s, can appear as victims. His pleas to the Brazilian government about illegal intrusions on his land go unheeded.

The film “We Are Guardians” tackles a complex issue involving environment, politics, geography, and business on an international yet local scale, highlighting Indigenous resistance efforts. However, the film’s documentary style of brief character sketches sometimes conflicts with other aspects such as fact delivery, drone shots, and creating a suspenseful atmosphere. Compared to the visually striking and immersive “The Territory” from a few years back, which also touches on similar themes, “We Are Guardians” seems more focused on presenting issues rather than taking viewers on a documentary voyage.

At times, using whatever means necessary to convey the message is appropriate, isn’t it? In terms of climate change coverage, our information intake is inadequate. Therefore, if you’re seeking a reminder about the significance of protecting the Amazon, “We Are Guardians” serves its purpose effectively and with passion, much like an informative pamphlet.

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2025-06-07 01:01

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