Karuara, People of the River

In Peru’s Amazon region, the river stands at the heart of the Kukama society. It functions as their roadway, provides fish, and offers a communal space for swimming and relaxation. Above all, it is a spiritual centre because, according to their beliefs, their ancestors, the Karuaras, inhabit a parallel universe beneath its waters. Economic development and globalisation, however, threaten both the river and the Kukama culture. Foreign companies are destroying the rainforest and depleting its resources. Indigenous communities consequently lose territory and essential infrastructure, placing their identities and traditions at serious risk. Blending animation and documentary, Karuara, People of the River underlines the importance of protecting the natural world and the cultures that rely on it.

Co-presented with Public Eye