Fisher Stevens, along with Leonardo DiCaprio, has recently unveiled their latest documentary shedding light on the destruction of the Amazon rainforest. The documentary, titled ‘We Are Guardians’, is set to be live-streamed on October 22, with an accompanying panel featuring actors Bill Pullman and Maisie Williams. Stevens emphasises the critical nature of this moment, urging audiences to grasp the significance of such documentaries now more than ever.
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The documentary delves into the story of Marçal Guajajara, a prominent figure from the Guajajara community in Brazil. The Guajajara people have spent centuries defending their ancestral lands from illegal intrusion and devastation. Stevens expresses that ‘We Are Guardians’ not only highlights the environmental implications of deforestation but also narrates the struggles of individuals compelled to work for major logging and agricultural corporations. These individuals, as depicted in the documentary, often find themselves in challenging circumstances with limited choices and inadequate compensation.
Stevens draws attention to the persisting challenges posed by corporate greed, recounting his experience working with major corporations in the Amazon, such as Cargill, a prominent family-owned company. Despite promises to adopt sustainable farming practices over a decade ago, there has been little improvement in the region. The documentary also sheds light on the complicity of the current Trump administration in exacerbating environmental issues, with key figures linked to the fossil fuel industry. Stevens underscores the urgency of protecting the rainforest, highlighting the carbon-sequestering role it plays and the alarming increase in carbon emissions witnessed in recent times.
Despite the grim realities depicted in the documentary, Stevens remains optimistic about the potential for positive change. He notes that the film has already inspired numerous viewers to contribute towards initiatives safeguarding the rainforest, enabling the procurement of essential equipment for monitoring illegal activities. The upcoming live-streaming of ‘We Are Guardians’ aims to further raise awareness and funds to support those defending their homes in the Amazon.
In a final reflection, Stevens emphasises the beauty and entertainment value of the documentary, driving home the importance of engaging storytelling in raising awareness about pressing environmental issues. As audiences prepare to tune in to the live-streamed screening on October 22, the hope is that ‘We Are Guardians’ will not only educate and inspire but also spur concrete actions towards preserving the invaluable biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest for generations to come.
The collaborative efforts of Fisher Stevens and Leonardo DiCaprio serve as a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling in advocating for environmental conservation, urging individuals worldwide to take a stand in protecting our planet’s most precious ecosystems.