Amsterdam, the Netherlands
This film aims is about the Tarëno tribe in Suriname and the potential loss of their centuries-old indigenous knowledge, especially from medicinal plants. The tribe is threatened by illegal loggers, gold miners and the conflict between tradition and adoption of a ‘modern life’. The land rights of the Tarëno people are not recognized by the Surinamese government so they have no rights to their ancestral land. Harmony of man, nature, spirituality and equality is essential in their way of life. As indigenous people living for many thousands of years in the Amazon they protect ancient forests, rivers, wetlands and rare plants.
De Boomgaard funded a research trip for Human Nature Films. Once the production is finished, de Boomgaard will also contribute to the distribution. To spread it’s message after the film's release, Human Nature Films will set up an educational program for schools, government institutions and NGO’s to raise more awareness.
The idea for the film emerged years ago when biotechnician Gwendolyn Smith (PhD) was cured from cancer by shaman Amashina in 2004. The crew has roots in Suriname and decided to produce a fiction documentary based on true events. With a small team they left in July 2024 for their research trip to Kwamalasamutu, a village that can only be reached by small airplanes. They connected with the tribe and identified the cast.