WE ARE GUARDIANS

Follows Indigenous forest guardian Marçal Guajajara and activist Puyr Tembé as they fight to protect their territories from deforestation, an illegal logger who has no choice but to cut the forest down, and a large landowner at the mercy of thousands of invaders and extractive industry. Through intimate, character focused storytelling, the film brings the issues to the forefront — from the science of the Amazon Rainforest and its pivotal role in our global climate stability to the economic drivers of deforestation. The film weaves together politics, history, economics, science, and consciousness, providing an in-depth exploration of this incredibly complex and critical situation — the origins and the impact of which ripple out far beyond the boundaries of the Amazon itself. Produced by Academy Award winners Fisher Stevens and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Directors: Edivan is from the Zutiwa village, located in Arariboia Indigenous Land (Maranhão, Brazil) and one of the creators of the communication network Mídia Índia. As an activist & filmmaker, he creates photography and documentaries centering indigenous peoples’ perspectives, showcasing their struggle of land protection and defense of Mother Earth. As a designer and video editor, he uses his gift to create art pieces that give visibility to the ongoing fight of the Brazilian indigenous peoples, a people who have resisted for 521 years.

Chelsea is a filmmaker specializing in storytelling about wildlife and Indigenous guardians. Inspired by her childhood in the forests of Vermont, she attended American University for her BA and MFA in Environmental and Wildlife Filmmaking. She has since worked on projects as both a cinematographer and editor that have appeared on Nat Geo WILD, PBS, Maryland Public Television, NBC Universal, and CNC. In 2018, Chelsea was an associate producer, editor, and cinematographer for ‘Trending China,’ a TV show broadcast on NBC, Bravo and in 96 countries on CNC, documenting life in China.

Rob grew up in the forests of New Hampshire, in the foothills of the White Mountains. His work as a filmmaker has mostly focused on the environment and the inspiring people who’ve dedicated their lives to its protection. In 2011 he graduated Johns Hopkins University with a BA in Film and Media Studies. While in Baltimore, he worked as an editor with filmmaker and auteur Michael H. Shamberg on his autobiographical documentary series, P.S. Beirut about the Lebanese Civil War. From 2016 to 2019 he was a core leader and driving creative force at Heartisan Films. In 2018, he produced, edited and directed his first independent documentary, GORILLA GIRL. Focused on a female pioneer in the field of wildlife rehabilitation and primate sign language research.

A portion of the proceeds benefits Heal The Planet.

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