Eternal Amazon

'Eternal Amazon' or 'Amazônia Eterna' as it is known in its native Portuguese, is a remarkable documentary released in 2012 showcasing the astoundingly rich biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest, its critical ecological role in our planet's health, and the complex relationship between the forest's indigenous people, local industries, and international conservation efforts.

Directed by veteran filmmaker, Belisario Franca, 'Eternal Amazon' uses a unique blend of stunning imageries, compelling interviews and sobering statistics to illustrate the ecological, social and economic realities that confront Brazil's most precious natural treasure. The film is primarily in Portuguese, with English subtitles, which gives viewers an opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the language and culture of the region.

The film starts off by drawing attention to the Amazon rainforest, widely considered the 'lungs of our planet' due to its capacity to absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This colossal jungle is home to more than 400 billion individual trees representing over 16,000 species. However, as the film elucidates, the very survival of this diverse ecosystem is under threat due to a range of human activities, including deforestation, illegal logging, and reckless agricultural practices.

'Eternal Amazon' doesn't just focus on the gloomy side of things. It also sheds light on the innovative measures that are being employed to ensure the forest’s survival. The filmmakers journey through various corners of the Amazon to capture efforts of sustainability in action. We see how locals harvest rubber without harming the trees, engage in responsible fishing practices, and how farming is conducted in a way that doesn’t upset the balance of the forest's ecosystem.

Just as captivating as the natural splendors, are the people we meet along the journey. 'Eternal Amazon' introduces us to a spectrum of individuals from various walks of life: indigenous peoples carrying forward ancient traditions, committed scientists who have dedicated their lives to studying the Amazonian biodiversity, government officials addressing the pressures of economic development and preservation, and entrepreneurs striving to develop sustainable businesses.

One of the most powerful merits of the film is the way it humanises the Amazon struggle – not painting it simply as a battle between conservationists and greedy exploiters, but offering a nuanced look at the dilemmas facing those who call the Amazon their home. It brings forth the necessity to balance the economic sustainability of the forest’s human inhabitants with preserving the inestimable value that the forest has in terms of global climate stability and biodiversity.

A critical dimension that ‘Eternal Amazon’ captures is the profound global impact of the Amazon’s fate. It is not an isolated concern of Brazil or South America, but a vital issue that affects global climate change, sea-level rises, extreme weather events and the future of our planet at large. It reminds viewers of the immense responsibility shared by the global community to aid in the preservation of the Amazon.

The cinematography is a character in itself, offering jaw-dropping panoramic shots of the Amazon rainforest from high above, intimate close-ups of the wildlife and vegetation, and sobering sights of the ravages wrought by human activity. The film score, rich in indigenous rhythms and tones, underscores the narration effectively and helps set the mood for each sequence.

‘Eternal Amazon’ is a visually exhilarating, thought-provoking and at times heart-wrenching gaze into the intricate web of life, death, wealth, poverty and survival in the Amazon. It’s not merely a chronicle of the trials the Amazon must endure, it’s a call to action for those both near and far to join in preserving and cherishing this wonder of the world. By weaving together threads of anthropology, biology, economics, and sociology, the film invites its audience to understand, empathize, and ultimately, participate in the Amazon's fight for survival against the incessant march of human-incurred devastation. It is a must-watch for environmentalists, nature lovers and outspoken supporters of indigenous rights.