When Two Worlds Collide

The 2016 documentary film directed by Heidi Brandenburg and Mathew Orzel examines the conflict between indigenous peoples of the Amazon and the Peruvian government. Central to the narrative is Alberto Pizango, an indigenous leader who spearheads resistance against President Alan García's policies aimed at exploiting the Amazon's natural resources. The government's push for economic development through oil, gas, and mineral extraction on indigenous lands leads to widespread protests and violent clashes. Filmed over eight years, the documentary offers a unique perspective on the indigenous struggle for rights and environmental preservation, while raising questions about the cost of economic progress and human rights. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016, where it received the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Best Debut Feature.