Climate change, global warming and environmental degradation are catch phrases of this generation. So it is appropriate that young people are enlisted to fight these global threats. The RISE OF THE ECO WARRIORS shows one group who did just that. 15 young people from around the world enlist as eco warriors to spend 100 days in the jungles of Borneo – there to confront the enormous tasks of saving rainforests and endangered orang-utans.
Their tale spans 3 villages of the Dayak and the Longhouse communities fighting to stem the relentless onslaught of palm oil plantation companies.
Jojo, an orphaned baby orang-utan, is entrusted in their care. Prior to returning her to the forest, they plan to build an orang-utan rehabilitation centre. To fight the deforestation, they introduce a satellite monitoring system called Earthwatchers. They teach the local communities about safer sugar palms and assist them with a reforestation nursery. To fund this and to sustain action into the future they build a global support network. They extend the global school network, through education of local schoolchildren. They had adequate computer equipment and cameras despite the remoteness. In their reaching out globally they seek to have people adopt an orang-utan and to stop buying products containing palm oil.
They come to understand and respect the wisdom, skills and traditions of the local Dayak people and learn about trust, decision making and leadership. This was forced upon them when their mentor, Dr Willie Smits, was called away on other environmental projects. Four of them withdrew early and the rest were left to battle the terrain of wild rivers. They learnt to persevere in the face of both human and natural adversity.
This documentary pushes the environmental case as we see the young adults increasing their humanity and knowledge. It provides weblinks for the viewer to further their knowledge and contribution to the cause.
Excellent camerawork and editing (cinematographer Ismail Fahmi Lubish-Ezther) meant that no shot was wasted. It was neither heavy handed nor intrusive.
The 15 young people and a few helpers who joined for two weeks only to provide funds and labour, did not ‘play to the camera’ allowing greater involvement and impact to be felt by the audience members.
Well directed and written by Cathy Henkel. Overall, the RISE OF THE ECO WARRIORS is a satisfying documentary.