MADEIRA RIVER, THE: LIFE BEFORE THE DAMS

Shown as part of the multi-day, multi-venue Energy Film Series

THE MADEIRA RIVER: LIFE BEFORE THE DAMS (Bolivia / Brazil, 2009, 28 min.)

The Amazon is the world’s largest river basin and the source of one-fifth of all free-flowing fresh water on Earth. Its rainforests are home to one in ten known species on Earth. Today, more than 30 million people live in the region. Illustrating the cultures and lives of the people affected by the construction of the Santo Antonio and Jirau dams in Brazil, the film gives voice to the local communities that depend on the river to survive – and their hopes, opinions and fears about the dams’ construction. Directed by David Reeks. Produced by WWF-Amazon Network Initiative.

Shown with TAPAJÓS: SÃO LUIZ (USA, 2011, 5 min.) Washington, D.C. Premiere Shot entirely in Vila São Luiz, Vila Pimental and the Amazônia National Park, the film showcases the beauties of land, people and wildlife in the region of the Tapajós basin. The region is under threat as a hydroelectric dam project, the São Luiz, is scheduled to begin construction in 2012. Directed by David Reeks. Produced by WWF-Amazon Network Initiative.

Panel with Pedro Bara-Neto, Infrastructure Strategy Leader, WWF’s Living Amazon Initiative; Christian Poirier, Brazil Program Coordinator, Amazon Watch and filmmaker David Reeks, follows screening.

Ticket/Reservation Info:

FREE. No reservations required.

World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th St., NW
(Metro: Dupont Circle, 19th St. exit or Foggy Bottom-GWU, 23rd & I Sts. exit. Red, Blue and Orange lines)
(Metrobuses: 31, 32, 36, 38B, D5, G2, H1, L1, N3, Circulator)