The Jaguar and the River

The jaguar and the river

A profound and poetic view of the struggle for cultural preservation and indigenous rights through the eyes of an indigenous girl.

Teaser

INDIGENOUS FUTURE

The Jaguar and the River follows Xiwariru, a 7-year-old indigenous girl from central Brazil, as she navigates the life of her tribe in the Bananal island and later joins the fight for her people’s rights at the 20th Free Land Camp, the largest annual assembly of Indigenous Peoples in Latin America. Xiwariru stands as a symbol of the continuity of indigenous cosmology and the hope carried by the younger generation in the ongoing fight for their rights and for a sustainable future.

about

Xiwariru

The protagonist Xiwariru is a 7-year-old indigenous girl from Bananal Island, the world's largest river island in central Brazil. Xiwariru’s personality is a blend of playfulness and quiet determination. Through her innocent yet insightful eyes, the audience witnesses the beauty of her world and the existential threats her community faces, including environmental degradation and the struggle for indigenous rights.

meet Xiwariru

FREE LAND CAMP

The Free Land Camp is the largest gathering of indigenous peoples in Latin America, held annually in Brasília, Brazil's capital. It serves as a space for resistance and mobilization, where indigenous leaders from across the country come together to discuss their demands and organize actions to defend their rights. The 20th Free Land Camp in 2024 was attended by 6 thousand indigenous people from more than 70 different ethnicities from all regions of Brazil. Our documentary features exclusive footage of the backstage of this pivotal event, capturing Xiwariru's participation alongside her family and community.

A TEAM Composed exclusively by
WOMEN

Our mission is to bring to the forefront voices that are often silenced – both in front of and behind the camera. Every member of the team shares the vision of creating a sensitive, powerful, and truthful film, highlighting the crucial role of women in social struggles and environmental preservation. Meet the women behind this transformative journey.

meet the team

Julia Loureiro
Director, Screenwriter and Cinematographer

Mi'Saw Guajajara
Second Cinematographer

Naiara Tukano
Script Advisor

Agnes Magalhães
Sound Recordist

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behind the scenes

The relationship between the protagonist, her family, and the all-female team was profound and heartfelt. Through shared experiences and mutual respect, deep bonds were formed, creating a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere that allowed Xiwariru’s true personality to blossom.

see the behind-the-scenes

SUPPORTERS

Each supporter plays a vital role in bringing this documentary to life, providing resources, logistical support, and visibility to our mission. We are grateful to everyone who has walked alongside us, helping to amplify the voice of Xiwariru and Indigenous peoples.