In a world fraught with ecological crises and cultural clashes, "We Are Guardians" emerges as a beacon of hope, weaving a powerful tapestry of human resilience, Indigenous wisdom, and environmental urgency. More than a film, “We Are Guardians” is described by directors Rob Grobman and Edivan Guajajara as a ‘prayer for the earth, for humanity, for connection’ and an ‘appeal to the whole of human society.’ This film not only introduces us to the forest guardians in the Brazilian Amazon, but calls on us to become guardians ourselves, and to reconnect with the universe by ‘reforesting’ our minds.
Early in the film, we meet the indomitable spirit of Marçal Guajajara: a forest guardian whose unwavering determination embodies the heart and soul of the Amazon. Marçal leads the guardians in their mission to protect their forest from deforestation, which is a dangerous task but one he asserts he must do. The audience cannot help but be inspired by his dedication, especially when we learn that the guardians’ organisation was founded after a chief was killed by illegal loggers. As well as protecting the environment, a moving element of the guardians’ work is their concern for the uncontacted Awá people and the desire to protect their way of life from encroaching logging interests.
"We Are Guardians" sheds light on the devastating consequences of deforestation fuelled by a global market that values profit over preservation. The film is saturated with strong characters, who drive the multifaceted and deeply poignant narrative. Rather than focusing solely on the guardians, it unfolds from various perspectives, illuminating the intricate web connecting humanity, Indigenous peoples, and the Earth herself. Through characters like Valdir Duarte, a conflicted logger desperate to make ends meet, and landowner Tadeu Fernandes, committed to preserving the ecosystem, the film paints a complex portrait of human choices amid dire circumstances. Villa Samuel, a haven for illegal sawmills, becomes a chilling symbol of environmental exploitation, while activist Puyr Tembé's journey from Indigenous territory to Belém highlights the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights.
The film boldly exposes the detrimental impact of political negligence, exemplified by the Bolsonaro regime's callous disregard for Indigenous peoples. Poignantly, the film includes clips from an Indigenous protest in Brasilia surrounded by Bolsonaro supporters, who generally see Indigenous Peoples as a hindrance to, or even an enemy of, agricultural production and food security. This makes us directly confront how the mainstream belief that land must be cultivated for economic benefit in order to be “useful” is essentially incompatible with Indigenous rights, and the future of the planet. How to unify these opposing points of view is a question the audience will still be pondering long after the credits roll.
The determination of Puyr in this protest and other instances is particularly striking. We also see her attend COP26 with a group of Indigenous women, who intend to convey how Indigenous communities are the stewards that Earth desperately needs. Whilst there is a small amount of dialogue with international leaders, we mainly see delegates taking photos with Puyr and the group, highlighting the performative nature of Indigenous inclusion. It’s heart wrenching to watch Puyr’s impatience rise throughout the COP scene, leaving us feeling frustrated and deflated.
The film provokes such emotions throughout, effectively using striking visuals and compelling graphics to illustrate the alarming pace of deforestation. The juxtaposition of the dwindling green islands of Indigenous territories against a backdrop of encroaching destruction serves as a stark reminder of the stakes at hand, and that no one can offer the forest - and the Earth - greater protection than Indigenous Peoples. “We Are Guardians” forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths, but does not leave us hopeless, instead urging us to engage in transformative dialogue and to fight for Indigenous rights as we see the inextricable link between them and the environment.
Edvin Guajajara’s explanation of why the film is necessary resonates throughout the film. The answer echoes in the daily struggles of the Amazon's guardians, who fight not only for their people but for the entire world. The Amazon, portrayed as a beating heart that sustains us all, is showcased as the battleground where humanity's fate is decided.
The brilliance of "We Are Guardians" lies in its ability to humanise all sides of the conflict. By giving space for loggers like Valdir to tell their stories, the film encourages empathy and understanding: essential ingredients in fostering communication amidst polarisation. The end of the film leaves us desperate for some hope, and we are offered just that. In a montage of positive developments we see the difference that Lula’s regime is offering Brazil’s Indigenous Peoples, and the powerful female leads of Puyr and Sonja Guajajara in political positions where they can make real difference. In “We Are Guardians,” Indigenous women are shown as strong, determined, and intrinsic to the fight for justice.
"We Are Guardians" offers no easy answers and does not pretend to do so, instead challenging us to reevaluate our choices. Driven by its courageous characters, the film compels us to recognize that our strength lies in unity. Indeed, it is a triumph of collaboration itself being jointly directed by Indigenous activist Edivan Guajajara and the environmental filmmakers Rob Grobman and Chelsea Greene. Viewers can feel the love and determination poured into this film, and leave feeling devastated and determined in equal measure.
So, what can we do? In a practical sense, as Gemma of Mighty Earth wisely points out, consumer power can drive change. By supporting initiatives like "We Are Guardians" and taking action in our communities, we can be the guardians that the Earth desperately needs. Further than this, we can shift our mindset: by communicating with the universe, listening to the wisdom of the forest and its guardians, we can - as the directors emphasise - reforest our minds and hearts, and find the strength to act before it's too late.
Photo (c) Edvin Guajajara
This film is not just a cinematic experience; it is a call to arms, urging us all to join hands and protect the forest that sustains us, for we still have time to change the planet. To find out more and become a guardian, visit weareguardiansfilm.com
Film Critique and Author: Jordan Thorne
Co-Author/Editor: Alicia Kroemer
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