‘We Are Guardians,’ the new documentary from acclaimed producers Fisher Stevens and Leonardo DiCaprio, is far more than a film; it’s a critical call to action for the Amazon rainforest, showcasing the heroic fight of Indigenous communities and dissecting the pervasive corporate greed threatening our planet’s most vital ecosystem.
In a world grappling with escalating climate crises, the release of “We Are Guardians,” a powerful documentary co-produced by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Fisher Stevens and environmental advocate Leonardo DiCaprio, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent struggle to protect the Amazon rainforest. Stevens himself underscores the film’s vital importance, stating, “This moment is so crucial,” as reported by People.
The film delves deep into the heart of Brazil, chronicling the unwavering efforts of Marçal Guajajara, a revered leader of the Guajajara people. For over 400 years, his community has courageously defended their ancestral lands against illegal invasion and relentless destruction. “We Are Guardians” not only highlights the plight of these Indigenous protectors but also explores the complex lives of individuals working for the very logging and farming corporations contributing to the deforestation. Stevens notes, “You feel for them, because they’re working for ‘the man.’ They don’t really have a lot of choice. And they’re not being paid for it very well either.”
The Ongoing Battle Against Corporate Greed and Political Indifference
The documentary paints a grim picture of the challenges faced in negotiating with powerful corporate interests. Stevens recalls his previous collaboration with DiCaprio on “Before the Flood” a decade ago, where major corporations like Cargill promised sustainable farming practices. “Things have not gotten any better. It’s now 10 years later,” he laments. He points out the immense wealth concentrated within such entities, noting, “The irony is that the Cargill corporation is a family… I think there’s 11 billionaires alone in that family.”
Adding to the complexity, the film touches upon the detrimental impact of political decisions on environmental protections. Stevens asserts that the current administration, heavily funded by fossil fuel industries, actively undermines efforts to address climate change. “This administration is doing everything it can to not be responsible citizens for the world,” he states, emphasizing the critical role the rainforest plays in global carbon sequestration.
“We’ve been saying this forever, that the rainforest is crucial, but it really is. It really does sequester the carbon, and this is the first time, as you can see in the film, that with the fires and everything there’s more carbon emissions going out than going in,” Stevens warns, highlighting a dire turning point for the planet’s ecological balance. Despite a slight slowdown in deforestation between 2023-2024, the Amazon still lost close to 2,500 square miles, roughly the size of Delaware, within that timeframe.
A Proven Track Record: From “The Cove” to “Before the Flood”
The partnership between Stevens and DiCaprio on “We Are Guardians” is the latest in a series of impactful environmental documentaries. Stevens, an Oscar-winning producer for “The Cove,” and DiCaprio have long been champions of using film to drive social change. Their previous collaboration, “Before the Flood,” released in 2016, achieved unprecedented global reach, seen by a record 60 million people worldwide through an innovative free distribution strategy on multiple platforms, as detailed by the National Geographic Channel.
Both filmmakers advocate for a solutions-oriented approach, believing in the power of film to inspire individual action. Stevens emphasizes the importance of storytelling over preaching, stating, “Let the characters reveal the change you’re trying to drive through their personal discoveries. Let the story unfold and dictate how you will strategize your impact.” For “Before the Flood,” having DiCaprio as a “tour guide” made the complex issue of climate change more relatable and less didactic for audiences.
Beyond cinematic impact, their projects have spurred tangible action. “Before the Flood” launched a social impact campaign that included donations from National Geographic and 21st Century Fox to conservation efforts, and inspired initiatives like the Carbotax app, which raised over $1 million for reforestation by allowing users to offset their carbon footprint through voluntary contributions.
Empowering the Front Lines and Inspiring Collective Action
Stevens remains hopeful that “We Are Guardians” can similarly catalyze positive change. He proudly shares, “We’ve had a lot of luck with it, and so many people who have seen it have donated money so that those guarding the forest have been able to buy equipment, drones and cameras, to keep watch on illegal practices.” This direct support for the forest guardians is a core mission behind the film’s screenings and outreach.
The film, directed by Edivan Guajajara, Chelsea Greene, and Rob Grobman, is described as a “prayer for the earth” and an appeal for connection. It seeks to include loggers, farmers, and ranchers in the conversation, acknowledging the complex economic realities driving deforestation. Area23a, the distributor, has acquired the documentary for a theatrical release beginning June 6 in Los Angeles, followed by a nationwide 50-city theatrical screening tour, as reported by Deadline. Additionally, Amazon is set to release it in Germany and the U.K.
Fans eager to engage with the film can participate in a live-streaming event on Thursday, October 23, featuring a panel discussion with actors Bill Pullman and Maisie Williams. Details for this event are available on the official website for ‘We Are Guardians’. For Stevens, the message is clear: “It’s a beautiful film. And also entertaining.” This blend of captivating storytelling and critical urgency is precisely what he hopes will inspire a new wave of guardians for our planet.
