Arabic version: فيلم قصير يتخيل مستقبلًا ديستوبيا لأمازون البرازيل

A new short film titled Vitória Régia imagines a chilling future for Brazil in which the nation has succumbed to a far-right coup, resulting in the transfer of control over the Amazon rainforest to the United States. Set in 2025, the film depicts a scenario where the military, after successfully executing a coup against the government, cedes the rainforest to Washington in exchange for support.

According to The Guardian, the film showcases a propaganda tour led by a North American soldier, introducing journalists to an oil refinery in the newly annexed Amazon region. The narrative unfolds with a replica of the Statue of Liberty carved from the jungle, symbolizing U.S. dominance over Brazilian resources.

The film’s director, Denis Kamioka, known as Cisma, expressed concern about the blurred lines between fiction and reality as the political landscape in Brazil continues to evolve. The lead character, Carol, played by actress Alice Braga, faces censorship and a media blackout that prevents journalists from reporting on the environmental devastation occurring in the rainforest.

Ywyzar Tentehar, an Indigenous actor featured in the film, highlighted the ongoing threats to Indigenous lands in Brazil, emphasizing the need for attention to their struggles against encroachment by loggers and land-grabbers. The film, which runs for 21 minutes, was created in collaboration with Indigenous networks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by these communities.

As Brazil approaches another presidential election, the political climate remains tense, with fears that a return to power by figures associated with the previous administration could reignite destructive policies. Braga urged voters to carefully consider their choices, stressing the importance of safeguarding democracy and Indigenous rights in Brazil’s future.