Watch Yasuni Man

Yasuni Man is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary film released in 2017. Directed and co-written by Ryan Killackey, it follows the journey of a young indigenous man named Otobo Baihua, who sets out on a mission to save his community and the unique natural environment they inhabit in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. The film opens with Baihua recounting the story of his birth in the Ecuadorean Amazon, and how his grandfather named him Otobo, which means "man of the forest". He explains that he grew up in a tight-knit community called the Waorani, who have lived in the region for thousands of years and have a deep spiritual connection to the land and animals. Baihua's people have struggled to maintain their traditional way of life and face a myriad of challenges, including outside pressure from oil companies, illegal loggers, and settlers.

The central conflict of the film is the push by the Ecuadorian government to extract oil from Yasuni National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on earth and the ancestral territory of the Waorani. Baihua and other community members become aware of the impending threat and decide to take action. They organize protests, speak out in the media, and lobby political figures in Ecuador and abroad to preserve their land and way of life.

Throughout the documentary, we see stunning footage of the Amazon rainforest and hear from scientists, activists, and journalists who provide background information and context for the situation. The film does an excellent job of balancing different perspectives and avoiding a simplistic narrative of "good guys vs. bad guys". We see the complex web of interests and ideologies at play, but ultimately the Waorani's struggle for self-determination and protection of their indigenous rights takes center stage.

One of the most compelling aspects of Yasuni Man is the way it follows Baihua's personal journey as he grapples with the weight of responsibility he feels to his community and the natural world. We see him struggle with feelings of homesickness and uncertainty as he travels to cities like Quito and New York to give speeches and meet with officials. At one point, he breaks down in tears while giving a speech in front of the United Nations, overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation.

But despite these challenges, Baihua emerges as a passionate and articulate advocate for his people, with a deep love for the forest and the animals that inhabit it. His story is one of resilience and courage in the face of overwhelming odds, and it's clear how much he cares about ensuring that his community has a future in the Amazon.

The cinematography in Yasuni Man is breathtaking, with sweeping shots of the rainforest canopy, close-ups of exotic animals, and images of Baihua and his family in their daily life. The film also incorporates animated sequences and archival footage to illustrate the history of the Waorani and the struggles they have faced. The music, composed by Pascual Reyes, adds another layer of emotional depth to the film, with a haunting score that captures both the beauty and danger of the rainforest.

Overall, Yasuni Man is a must-see documentary that sheds light on a crucial environmental and human rights issue. It is a call to action for people around the world to stand in solidarity with the Waorani and other indigenous communities who are fighting to protect their land and culture. Through the eyes of Baihua, we see the importance of preserving our connection to the natural world and the need for a more just and sustainable future.

Yasuni Man is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.