Tribes on the Edge

Tribes on the Edge, released in 2019, is a compelling and challenging documentary film directed by Céline Cousteau. Granddaughter of the late Jacques Cousteau, a renowned explorer and conservationist, Céline herself is a distinguished filmmaker and environmental activist, following robustly in the family tradition. Tribes on the Edge is her passionate endeavour to raise global awareness about the precarious situation facing the Indigenous tribes of the Brazilian Amazon and the immeasurable value of their preservation for the sustainability of our planet.

Set against the breathtaking canvas of the Amazon rainforest, the world's largest tropical rainforest, the documentary dives deeply into the plight of the Indigenous tribes who call it home. As the name suggests, these tribes are quite literally on the proverbial edge of existence with their lives and cultures being persistently eroded and threatened.

An immersive and significant narrative threads its way through this documentary. It appropriately starts at the point when Céline Cousteau was invited by Beto of the Marúbo tribe to visit and share the story of his people, the Indigenous tribes of the Vale do Javari, Brazil. This is one of the world’s largest territories of protected indigenous lands, but boundaries all too often prove to be transitory. This region is densely hidden in the Western Amazon and is home to the largest number of uncontacted tribes in the world. Receiving Beto's invite as a call to action, Céline embarks on a hair-raising journey to bear witness to their struggles and to amplify their voices, spinning a tale that will connect souls across continents.

Tribes on the Edge invites the viewer to consider integral and perceptive questions about the importance of indigenous people in our global ecosystem. It addresses issues of illegal encroachment on tribal lands, the fatal introduction of foreign diseases, devastating deforestation, the exigency of preserving cultural heritage, and the alarming increase in tribal suicide rates.

The film delicately meshes human stories with hard-hitting facts, painting a vivid picture of a critically endangered culture and ecosystem. Indigenous shamans, leaders, warriors, and young people share their perspectives, lives, fears and hopes with Céline. Their stories are not just testimonies of untold human rights atrocities and environmental crimes, but also an endearing testament to their wisdom, understanding of the land, and their integral contribution to the planet's diversity.

Intertwining with these narratives are poignant presentations from scientists, activists, and scholars. Their articulate insights present evidence of the extraordinary biodiversity in this region and the instrumental role the Amazon plays as a global climate regulator. If the rainforest continues to be exploited, it is not just the tribes who will face the consequences but also the entire global community.

The film also raises crucial questions about the role and influence of government policies both at a national level in Brazil and more broadly in the international context. Nevertheless, it is not filled with dread and despair alone, Céline also shares stories of resilience, courage and determination, inspiring the viewer to take a stand, to act, and to make a difference.

Visually stunning and emotionally charged, Tribes on the Edge is as much a journey through the lush expanse of the Amazon as it is a journey into the human spirit. The cinematography is captivating, showcasing the immense beauty and harsh reality of the Amazon environment. It is unflinchingly honest in its depiction of the difficulties faced by the tribes and powerful in its evocation of empathy and respect for their perseverance.

Tribes on the Edge is a clarion call for humanity, an exploration of a shared human journey, and a rallying point for change. It is an in-depth viewing experience for those who are passionate about human rights, social justice, conservation, ecology, and cultural heritage. By creating awareness and understanding, Cousteau has achieved something remarkable with this film, igniting a spark that has the potential to inspire necessarily urgent action and induce global transformation. A must-see for anyone who cares about the future of our planet, Tribes on the Edge is more than just a film. It is a part of a larger movement spearheaded by Céline Cousteau, which includes global outreach initiatives and educational partnerships, all echoing the same message - a voice for the voiceless, a call to protect the protectors of the Amazon and, in doing so, preserve the health and future of our shared home - Planet Earth.