Film screening: Guardians of the Rainforest

Watch documentary Guardians of the Rainforest in the company of its award-winning director Lia Beltrami.

Commissioned by Religions for Peace with the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative, Guardians of the Rainforest explores the role of Indigenous women and their spirituality in protecting the rain forest. The film was released and screened at the United Nations in New York in 2023 for the UN general assembly meeting on the environment. It has not yet premiered in the UK.

This event is organised by Dr Sara Silvestri and hosted by the Cambridge Interfaith Programme at the Faculty of Divinity. Directors Lia and Marianna Beltrami will also attend an official London premiere of the film on Wednesday 20 November, hosted by City St George’s University.

Both screenings benefit from the patronage of the Italian Cultural Institute. 

From the filmmakers

The Beltramis explain why the film foregrounds perspectives from Indigenous women in Brazil, Borneo and the DRC:

“As the historical guardians of rainforests, Indigenous Peoples serve on the frontline of combating deforestation. However, they are among the first to face the direct consequences of climate change. In addition, the lack of recognition and protection for the rights of Indigenous Peoples makes them vulnerable to threats of intimidation, violence, and incursion into their lands.

“This is why it is crucial that we listen to the voices of Indigenous people, and particularly Indigenous women, who fight every day against these interconnected social and environmental threats. Guardians of the Rainforest is a documentary supported by multi-religious efforts to highlight the vital work of Indigenous women who are speaking out in defense of the rainforests in Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Borneo. In each country, Indigenous women and their allies share their stories, each in their unique ways, what the forest means to their very being, their fears in a reality of socio-ecological destruction, and their hopes for constructing something different.”

View the film’s official trailer on the Aurora Vision channel at YouTube.com.

Practicalities

The showing will be followed by Q&A with the directors, and a drinks reception.

Booking information to be added.

This event is free, supported by the Cambridge Interfaith Research Forum (small grant). 

Further information

Religions for Peace works to change the world and challenge the status quo through the mutual conviction that religions are more powerful, inspiring, and impactful when they work together. Visit the Religions for Peace website (rfp.org).

The Italian Cultural Institute of London, the official body of the Italian State, aims to promote and improve awareness of the Italian language and culture in Great Britain through the organization of cultural events to promote the circulation of ideas, arts and sciences. Read about the Italian Cultural Institute’s work on their website (via italiana.esteri.it).

The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative brings the commitment, influence and moral authority of religions to efforts to protect the world’s rainforests and the indigenous peoples that serve as their guardians. Discover more about the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative (via InterfaithRainforest.org).

Aurora Vision is committed to capturing and sharing the most meaningful and inspiring stories from every corner of the planet. Learn more about Guardians of the Rainforest and other Aurora Vision productions on their website (auroravision.it).