The Amazon rainforest is facing a critical tipping point. Driven by illegal logging, mining, and large-scale agricultural encroachment, rampant deforestation is rapidly drying out this vital ecosystem, threatening to trigger an irreversible process known as dieback. But deep within the jungle, small, unpaid groups of Indigenous forest defenders are risking their lives daily to patrol borders, seize illegal equipment, and stand up against armed invaders to protect their ancestral lands.

In this powerful episode of Big Blend Radio’s Nature Connection podcast, host Lisa D. Smith sits down with co-directors Chelsea Greene and Rob Grobman to discuss their award-winning documentary feature, We Are Guardians. The filmmakers share the synchronicities that brought them together, the harrowing reality of receiving death threats from the illegal logging industry, and the profound, symbiotic relationship the Indigenous communities have with the land. From the vast political networks and global corporations fueling the destruction to the inspiring boots-on-the-ground impact campaigns helping the guardians deploy drone technology, this conversation explores how everything—and everyone—is interconnected.

Watch the Episode Below or Download/Listen to it on Podbean.

"It is not often you get to view the Amazon Forest of Brazil, but the film, ‘We Are Guardians,’ takes you there and reminds us of its importance to the world. The production is beautifully filmed, carries an important message, and is engaging right from the start. It is a reminder of how dependent we are on trees for oxygen and the role they play in regulating the Earth’s climate and water cycles. Forests, especially The Amazon, store massive amounts of carbon in their tree trunks, roots and surrounding soil, slowing down the effects of climate change. Trees are a natural ally in climate stability. They provide oxygen, homes for wildlife, and shade.

The film highlights the role indigenous people play in protecting the natural resources they, as well as all of us, depend on. It gives us an insight through the forthrightness of those who spoke from a much different culture than our ‘western’ ways, while showing we are all in need of clean air and water. It is not preachy, but visually shares a commonsense message in a calm, believable manner. I also loved the music and the forthrightness and honesty of the people who shared their views. It is a film that a family can watch together and one that could be shared with schools." — Nancy J. Reid, Big Blend Radio

We Are Guardians is directed by Edivan Guajajara, Chelsea Greene, and Rob Grobman, and is produced by Academy Award winner Fisher Stevens, Maura Anderson, Chelsea Greene, and Zak Kilberg. The film is a Mídia Indígena, One Forest, Highly Flammable, Random Good, and Appian Way production.

Learn More & Support the Movement: Visit WeAreGuardiansfilm.com to find out where to watch the film digitally (available on Amazon, Apple, and more) and discover how you can vote with your dollar, safely shift your banking, or directly donate supplies to help the forest guardians continue their crucial work.