In a chilling vision of a potential future, the short film Vitória Régia (Amazon Water Lily) depicts Brazil in 2025, under the iron grip of far-right coup plotters who have dismantled democracy. Following the assassination of the president and the closure of the national congress, the film imagines the Amazon rainforest's wealth being handed over to the United States. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Amazon of America," a North American soldier announces to journalists on a propaganda tour of an oil refinery, symbolizing a new era of exploitation in the once-protected jungle.
The film's storyline becomes even more poignant considering the real-life events that unfolded after the failed coup attempt in January 2023. The insurrectionists, led by Jair Bolsonaro, attempted to overturn the election results but were thwarted, leading to the imprisonment of Bolsonaro and his associates. Yet the nightmarish scenario presented in Vitória Régia serves as a stark reminder of the potential trajectory Brazil could still face, as fears linger about a resurgence of right-wing politics and environmental degradation. Originally reported by The Guardian.
Propaganda and Dystopia in the Amazon
In Vitória Régia, the Amazon rainforest has become an emblem of American imperialism, with scenes showcasing a replica of the Statue of Liberty carved into the wilderness. Such imagery reflects the film's critical perspective on how the United States could exploit Brazil's natural resources following a coup. The film portrays a regime that censors the media, purges dissenters, and imposes a news blackout on the environmental devastation occurring in the Amazon.
The lead character, Carol, portrayed by award-winning actress Alice Braga, represents the silenced Brazilian journalists barred from entering the rainforest without permission. The film depicts a regime that prioritizes corporate interests over Indigenous rights, as communications are severed and Indigenous leaders mysteriously vanish. Harold Goldman, the head of a fictional oil company named Amazon X, enthusiastically celebrates the new alliance with Washington, proclaiming, "Olá amigos! Today marks a new chapter in the historic relationship between the United States of America and the beautiful nation of Brazil." Such lines encapsulate the film's commentary on the dangers of unchecked corporate power in a politically unstable environment.
Reality Blurring with Fiction
Director Denis Kamioka, known as Cisma, explained that the film was shot in March 2025, just prior to significant geopolitical events, including Donald Trump's controversial actions regarding Venezuela's oil. "It was frightening the extent to which reality and fiction became mixed up.. We were constantly competing with reality," he stated. The film, produced with the collaboration of Indigenous organizations Coiab and Apib, aims to highlight the ongoing threats faced by Brazil's Indigenous peoples and their struggle to defend their lands.
Ywyzar Tentehar, a 23-year-old Indigenous actor in the film, reflects on the real-life struggles in her hometown of Buritizal, saying, "Today my territory is demarcated but loggers, ranchers and land-grabbers continue to invade.. and nothing is done." This sentiment resonates deeply with the film's message, underscoring the urgency of protecting Indigenous rights and environmental integrity.
Upcoming Political Challenges and Environmental Concerns
As Brazil heads into an electoral season, the specter of Bolsonaro's legacy looms large. Flávio Bolsonaro, Jair's son, is expected to challenge leftist incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for the presidency, raising alarms about a potential return to policies that contributed to rampant deforestation and environmental degradation. During Jair Bolsonaro's administration from 2019 to 2023, the Amazon saw soaring deforestation rates, with an accompanying gold rush into Indigenous lands.
Activists warn that the environmental and social repercussions could resurface if a right-wing candidate regains power. Flávio Bolsonaro has reportedly been accused of offering the U.S. access to Brazil's rare-earth reserves, further complicating the nation's geopolitical landscape. Braga emphasizes the need for voters to carefully evaluate candidates, urging them to avoid a repeat of the political missteps that led to Jair Bolsonaro's election.
Despite the grim themes, Vitória Régia isn't devoid of hope. Pedro Inoue, a graphic designer and activist involved in the film, aims to inspire resilience through its vibrant pop aesthetic and uplifting soundtrack. "They are the past, the present and the future. They are the ones who have the answers about dealing with the end of the world because they've been dealing with it for more than 500 years," he expressed, encapsulating the film's message of Indigenous strength in the face of adversity.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.