THE TERRITORY
Director: Alex Pritz
JACOB
It's tough to describe exactly how tight a grip The Territory has on one's attention until you're in it, but once it starts, there's not a single moment where it disengages. Gorgeous photography and an absolutely thrilling musical score underscore this thunderously tragic, infuriating, and incredible look at the brutal deforestation of the Amazon rainforest under the Bolsonaro presidency. The sheer tenacity and impressive strength of the Uru-eu-wau-wau people looking to defend their lands is unquestionably inspiring. While the year’s not out yet, this could end up being its best documentary, and it’s already certainly one of its best films, full stop.
JOSEPH
It’s a strange thing, watching a genocide happen in front of you and being powerless to do anything about it. That’s the exact thing The Territory is trying to stress to the viewer: that the destruction of the Amazon rainforest is not just for land development, but also for the forced removal of indigenous peoples. The film admirably depicts the discussion from multiple angles, even adding B-roll of the lush flora and fauna of the Amazon to show exactly what deforestation affects. It’s an important and beautifully shot film that needs to be seen.
