Movies that Matter x Pakhuis de Zwijger: The Territory
From 10 to 21 November, the United Nations will be hosting its 30th climate conference in the Amazon region. And while indigenous peoples fight (often in vain) for a seat at the table, Movies that Matter and Pakhuis de Zwijger are screening a film about indigenous peoples’ struggle against loggers and land grabbers. Afterwards, we will engage in a discussion.
About the film
The Uru-eu-wau-wau are an indigenous people living in the Amazon. Their habitat and livelihood are threatened by loggers and land grabbers who want to use their land for agricultural development. When young Bitaté is chosen as leader of the tribe, he decides to take on a tough stance, forming patrols and using drones to track down invaders. Meanwhile environmental activist Neidinha does everything she can to get the authorities to defend the rights of the Uru-eu-wau-wau.
But the political climate is against them. Jair Bolsonaro’s violent rhetoric spurs a wave of attacks against indigenous leaders and environmentalists. And people such as farmer Sérgio and settler Martins think they have every right to take the Uru-eu-wau-wau’s land. The Uru-eu-wau-wau are becoming desperate: time’s running out before their land is completely taken away.
Speakers
Sonia Duin is an anthropologist from Santarém in the Amazon region of Brazil. She focuses on the value of indigenous knowledge for rainforest conservation and sustainable land use. Her work combines science and local traditions to offer new perspectives on nature and culture.