VIFF ‘07: Climate for Change: Keepers of Eden

This film could also be titled Colonization 101: how indigenous people and their territory are destroyed by Western greed.

Pick any place on earth and the Huaorani people’s story could be told, from creation to today (or extinction). First, the creator creates all, people learn to live peacefully, then a resource is found (in this case oil) and contamination, disease, liquor, domestic violence, and both cultural and physical death follow.

The area in which the Huaorani live is the most bio-diverse region on the planet. There are more species living in each 2.5 hectare area than in the entire continent of North America. The photography is stunning: the birds, insects, jungle…check out the size of the tree near the end of the film!

Texaco and Shell have spilled more oil, which has not even been attempted to be cleaned up, than was spilled by the Exxon Valdez. And surprise, surprise, the constitution of Ecuador protects the right of oil and mineral exploration above all else.

But the people fight back and that is the inspiration of the film. Traditionally, the Huaorani fight to the death and those that haven’t died already from cancers (or haven’t sold out), are committed to end the exploitation. And, as usual, they are led by their women.

Remaining Screenings:
Sunday, Oct 7th @ 9:15pm: Empire Granville 7 Theatre 2