The Jaguar and the River is a poetic and politically charged feature documentary that follows the journey of Xiwariru, a spirited 7-year-old Javaé girl from Canoanã, a village nestled on Ilha do Bananal, the largest river island in the world. Through her eyes, the film weaves a narrative that bridges the serene rhythms of indigenous life and the dynamic struggle for the recognition of indigenous rights and environmental protection.

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The documentary is divided into two acts: The River and The Jaguar. The first act, The River, depicts Xiwariru’s daily life in her ancestral village, immersed in the natural flow of community, tradition, and the interconnectedness of her people with the land and water. The second act, The Jaguar, follows Xiwariru as she journeys to Brasília to participate in the 20th Acampamento Terra Livre (ATL), the largest indigenous gathering in Latin America. Here, she witnesses the collective strength of her people and the passionate fight for indigenous sovereignty.

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The river and jaguar, deeply rooted in indigenous cosmology, symbolize balance and transformation. The river represents the continuity of life, the nurturing force that sustains her community, while the jaguar embodies courage, resilience, and the fierce spirit needed to confront challenges and defend their rights.

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Guided by an all-female team of filmmakers, The Jaguar and the River amplifies the voices of indigenous leaders, including Kamuu Wapichana, Ailton Krenak, Célia Xakriabá, and Marquinhos Xucuru. Their reflections echo through Xiwariru’s unconscious, shaping her dreams and understanding of her place within the broader struggle for cultural preservation and environmental justice.

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At its heart, The Jaguar and the River is a story of interconnectedness—of a young girl with her land, her people, and a shared vision for a sustainable and equitable world.