Looking For The Wild is a documentary film, directed by Andoni Canela, that explores the story of several indigenous communities in different parts of the world who fight to protect their environment and traditional way of life from the destructive effects of modern civilization. The movie begins with the story of the Waorani people in the Ecuadorian Amazon, who have been fighting for their land and culture for decades. Through dialogue with the leaders of the community and stunning footage of the jungle, the audience learns about the devastating effects of oil exploration on the land, health, and livelihoods of the Waorani. The movie shows how the Waorani have organized and protested to protect their land and how their success in the legal system has created a precedent for indigenous communities in the Amazon and beyond.
From the Amazon, the movie shifts to the Arctic, where the Inuit people of Greenland are facing the effects of climate change on their way of life. The audience is exposed to the beauty and harshness of the arctic terrain, and how global warming is disrupting the hunting and fishing grounds of the Inuit. The movie shows the resiliency of the Inuit people and how they are adapting to this change by using traditional knowledge and modern technology.
The movie also touches on the story of the Himba people in Namibia, who are struggling to maintain their nomadic lifestyle in the face of tourism and modernization. The Himba are known for their traditional hairstyle, and the audience sees how this and other aspects of their culture are being commodified and exploited by outsiders. The movie shows how the Himba are confronting these challenges by asserting their rights and seeking to control the tourism industry in their area.
Throughout the movie, Andoni Canela himself is a recurring figure, serving as a narrator and mediator between the audience and the indigenous communities. The audience follows Canela as he travels to different parts of the world, interacts with the people, and reflects on the themes of environment, culture, and identity that run through the movie.
One of the strengths of Looking For The Wild is its stunning cinematography. The movie takes the audience to diverse and remote parts of the world, and the visuals are breathtaking. From sweeping shots of the Amazon rainforest to close-ups of the Himba people's intricate hairstyles, the movie captures the beauty and complexity of the environments and cultures it represents.
The movie also succeeds in creating a sense of intimacy with the communities it portrays. The audience gets to know several individual people, their struggles, and their aspirations, which helps to create empathy and understanding. The movie is effective in showcasing how the communities are not passive victims of external forces, but rather active agents who are working creatively to maintain their ways of life.
Looking For The Wild is not without its flaws, however. The movie can feel disjointed at times, as it jumps from one community to another without always providing enough context or explanation. The movie also leaves some questions unanswered, such as how the communities are addressing internal tensions and conflicts, or what are the implications of their struggles for the global community.
Overall, Looking For The Wild is an eye-opening and inspiring movie that sheds light on the challenges and resilience of indigenous communities around the world. The movie brings to life the themes of environment, culture, and identity in a compelling and moving way. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in these issues and wants to learn more about the people who are fighting for their rights and way of life.
