The Uru-eu–wau-wau people have lived in the Amazonian rainforest for generations, but it wasn’t until 1981 that they had their first contact with the outside world, specifically the National Indian Foundation of Brazil. Ever since, their population has dwindled and their land has been a point of contention for the many seeking to deforest and develop the Amazon. Director Alex Pritz follows Neidinha, an environmental activist who has been working tirelessly for years to preserve the Amazon and the rights of the Uru-eu–wau-wau people, and Bitate, a young Uru-eu–wau-wau leader taking up the decades-long fight from his elders. Their battle becomes perilous as several groups threaten their land—the Association of Rural Producers of Rio Bonito, led by Sérgio, a farmer, that uses official avenues to stake their claim; settlers who feel entitled to take the land by force; and President Bolsonaro, who says, “There won’t be one more inch of Indigenous reserve.” Filmed in part during the pandemic and with the collaboration of the Uru-eu–wau-wau, The Territory suspensefully showcases this David and Goliath fight.  BD  

Filmmaker Q&A available

This film is only available to viewers in the United States