Amazon Souls

Watch Amazon Souls

  • NR
  • 2015
  • 29 min
  • 7.9  (28)

Amazon Souls is a gripping and poignant documentary film that explores the lives of the Huaorani tribe, one of the last remaining indigenous communities living in the depths of the Amazon rainforest. Directed by Sarah Begum, the film takes us on a thrilling journey through Ecuador's dense rainforests and introduces us to the unique culture, traditions, and beliefs of the Huaorani people.

The film begins with Sarah's fascination with the Amazonian rainforest and her desire to explore its unchartered territories. She sets out on an adventure to meet the Huaorani tribe, who are known for their isolation from the modern world and their fierce reputation as warriors. Sarah and her team brave the dense jungles, treacherous rivers, and dangerous wildlife to reach the tribe's village, where they are greeted with apprehension and suspicion.

As the team delves deeper into the Huaorani's way of life, their customs and rituals, we get an intimate and insightful look at their daily lives. We witness the tribe's hunting practices, their unique connection to the forest, and their deep-rooted spiritual beliefs. The Huaorani people are fiercely protective of their land and their culture, and their survival depends on it.

The film also sheds light on the threats facing the Huaorani people and the Amazon rainforest as a whole. Due to the rapid deforestation and capitalist exploitation of the Amazon, the Huaorani's way of life is under threat. Logging operations, oil drilling, and illegal poaching are all putting the Huaorani's survival in peril. The film shows how the Huaorani are fighting back against these threats, both by engaging with the outside world and by preserving their cultural heritage.

Throughout the film, we get to know some of the tribe's members on a personal level, including Nenki, a Huaorani elder who survived a brutal massacre in 2003, and Moi, a Huaorani warrior who is dedicated to protecting his people and their land. We also get to witness the gradual bond that develops between Sarah and the tribe, as she gains their trust and respect.

The documentary's cinematography is breathtaking, showcasing the Amazon rainforest's beauty and vastness. The directors' decision to shoot the film in black and white adds a layer of depth and grittiness to the footage, highlighting the contrast between the beauty of the forest and the harsh realities of life for the Huaorani people.

One of the most powerful moments in the film comes towards the end when the Huaorani people invite Sarah and her team to participate in one of their traditional dances. It's a moment of genuine connection and cultural exchange, where we see the Huaorani's pride in their traditions, and their willingness to share them with outsiders who show genuine respect and interest.

Overall, Amazon Souls is an emotionally resonant and thought-provoking documentary that highlights the importance of protecting indigenous cultures and the natural world they inhabit. It's a film that raises awareness about the threats facing the Huaorani people and their fight for survival, and it encourages us to reflect on our own relationship with the planet and the role we play in its preservation.

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Description
  • Release Date
    2015
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    29 min
  • IMDB Rating
    7.9  (28)