Piripkura

In this chronicle of an expedition, the Amazonian habitat of two of the last remaining nomadic Piripkura can only be protected if there is proof they are still living there. Jair Candor, coordinator of FUNAI, the Brazilian National Indian Foundation, treks into the jungle in search of them.

Two of only three known members of the Piripkura still live as nomads in the Amazon rainforest, in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso. Their most important possession is a torch that was lit in 1998 and has remained so ever since. The area where they live is encircled by farms and sawmills, whose almost inevitable expansion is taking place through violent means. This area of rainforest can only keep its protected status if there’s proof that the two men, Pakyî and Tamandua, are still living there.

So Jair Candor, coordinator for the protection of these areas, treks into the jungle in search of them, sometimes accompanied by their sole surviving family member Rita. Through this film, the crew provides proof of the two men’s existence. Piripkura sheds light on the tragedy befalling indigenous Amazon people – the systematic violence used against them is a constant menacing presence. Despite the impressive resilience and tenacity of the last of the Piripkura, an inevitable question hangs in the air: how long can it last?

Piripkura has been selected for the Activist competition and is part of the Save the Planet and IDFA Selection theme programmes.