By Roger Costa
YANUNI
Following the continuous battle and determination of a female Indigenous leader to protect the Amazon and her people, this alarming documentary plays like a gripping thriller about environmental activism, political corruption and human rights.
Tracking the tireless attempts of Juma Xipaia to save and protect the sacred forest from destruction, writer-director Richard Ladkani and producer Leonardo DiCaprio accurately expose the most terrifying eco-war happening right now in front of our eyes. It’s the “lungs of the planet” in extreme danger, a battle of interest for some, and of sacrifice for others. Juma fiercely fights the system and its politicians, not sparing Bolsonaro or Lula, as she points and blames both for the lack of respect for her people and land.
Juma’s husband, Hugo is also seen through Ladkani’s lenses, a special IBAMA agent putting down the illegal projects of miners and other ecological criminals with some thrilling results. This is a very important doc, courageous and shocking. A must-see call for action.
(Closing Night Selection. Screens Saturday, June 14 at 8pm. Go to https://tribecafilm.com/films/closing-night-yanuni-2025 for details).
KITES
Writer-director Walter-Thompson Hernández’s Rio-set revelatory directorial debut has a vibrant, unique and lyrical energy that easily announces a major voice in Latin-American cinema.
In a magical realism atmosphere, the film follows the routine of a popular gangster who’s organizing a community kite festival in his favela community while navigating his personal and criminal dilemmas.
Influenced by neo-realism and the aesthetic of Terrence Malick (yes, including Biblical texts), the director crafts an irresistibly affecting character study while studying other characters with the same efficiency and charisma.
Visually transcendental and filled with superb music and convincing naturalistic performances, this is one of the year’s most satisfying and assured debuts.
(Screens Friday, June 13 at 5pm. Go to https://tribecafilm.com/films/kites-2025 for details).
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