The documentary Manaus Extrema, produced by IPAM (Amazon Environmental Research Institute), will be screened for the first time at the Proteja Talks event, taking place on November 25 in Manaus, at the Bosque da Ciência.
Filmed in 2023, the production highlights the impacts of the Rio Negro drought and the smoke from wildfires on the lives of residents in Manaus and surrounding areas. At the time, it was the most severe drought ever recorded for the river, now surpassed by the 2024 dry season.
Watch the trailer:
“This documentary reinforces the message of science and Indigenous peoples: we need intact forests to address climate change. Protected areas, parks, reserves, as well as Indigenous and traditional peoples’ territories, are fundamental pillars for adapting to the new climate reality we face,” says André Guimarães, executive director of IPAM.
“From the various people we interviewed, the message is clear: we need to see nature as someone who also needs care,” comments Bibiana Garrido, IPAM’s Communication Specialist and one of the directors of the documentary.
To watch Manaus Extrema, register for free to attend the Proteja Talks in person. The event takes place on November 25, from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, at the Bosque da Ciência.
Featuring historical footage of the drought and smoke in key locations around the city, Manaus Extrema presents testimonials from a diverse group of people, reflecting the population affected by the impacts of climate change in the region.
Karina da Silva, a market vendor, is one of the interviewees featured in the documentary. She describes how the Rio Negro drought caused significant losses to her fruit and vegetable business in Cacau Pirera. Nildo Affonso, president of the Association of Floating Structures of Tarumã-Açu, estimated losses of up to R$10 million for floating structures during several months of drought.
Raniele Alves, a professor in the Medical School at UFAM (Federal University of Amazonas), also participates in the production, discussing the connection between Amazonian communities, public health, and the climate emergency.
Solutions to the situation are highlighted by the coordinators of the Manaus Indigenous Medicine Center, Carla Wisu and Ivan Tukano, as well as by researchers from INPA (National Institute for Amazonian Research) and IPAM.
