Many will recall the record-breaking wildfires that swept through the Amazon in 2019. Journalist and this documentary’s director Anneleen Ophoff reported on the fires and their impacts on the local indigenous communities. Deforestation and wildfires haven’t stopped in the meantime, so Ophoff returned in 2024 to document the situation in Bolivia. Her journey begins with the volunteer firefighters who fight the flames often blamed on slash-and-burn agriculture. To see if these claims have validity, she then investigates several “homesteads” that are empty corporate land-grabs and one which is occupied before seeking out those who farm with alternative means. The film ends in a small town where a yearly festival goes on despite the turmoil of fires and economic instability.
Having seen some of Ophoff’s previous work, I can say that Behind the Smokescreen is much like her other films, utilizing exposé techniques with a more cinéma vérité slant, often breaking the rules of both styles to deliver a fuller idea of the variety of viewpoints and effects of an issue. If you or your patrons are a fan, you’ll want to have this title in your collection. While Ophoff occasionally becomes a subject herself and often offering voiceover explanations, the camera itself remains objective, simply recording what is said and done in front of it. There are no judgements, no speaking over other subjects, and a truthful lack of editing to create a false dramatic narrative.
In this way, those who enjoy journalism or fly-on-the-wall cinematography will enjoy Behind the Smokescreen just as much as the bleeding-heart environmentalists who will find a similar draw to this title. Library patrons and students seeking information on the environmental and economic situation in Bolivia will want to see this film first and foremost, but it is also a perfect choice for film series focusing on wildfires, environmentalism, activism, and South America. Highly Recommended.
What college courses and majors could benefit from using Behind the Smokescreen?
Behind the Smokescreen is an excellent resource for a wide range of college courses. Environmental science and policy students could use it to gain a nuanced understanding of the human and ecological impacts of deforestation and wildfires. Journalism students, especially those studying investigative reporting and documentary filmmaking, would benefit from Ophoff's exposé techniques and her fly-on-the-wall cinematography style. Students in sociology and anthropology courses could explore the documentary’s examination of indigenous communities and their struggles against environmental degradation. Finally, international relations and Latin American studies students could use it to examine the social, economic, and political dimensions of environmental issues in Bolivia..
How could Behind the Smokescreen enhance special events on college campuses?
Behind the Smokescreen would be a powerful addition to college events focused on environmental issues, sustainability, and global activism. Colleges could incorporate the documentary into special events like Earth Day celebrations, film screenings, or symposiums on environmental justice. It could be used as a springboard for discussions on the global environmental crisis, with panelists or guest speakers addressing topics such as wildfire management, indigenous rights, and the economic drivers of deforestation. By offering a multi-faceted view of the issue, the film would help students engage with environmental activism in a more holistic way, making it a great tool for cross-disciplinary events involving environmental studies, journalism, and political science.