From The Heart Of The World: The Elder Brothers' Warning

Originally shown on the PBS series Nature in an abridged version, filmmaker Alan Ereira's feature-length documentary on a mysterious South American tribe's "warning" to the world is a fascinating cultural study (and environmental message). Living on a nearly four-mile high mountain in northern Columbia, the Kogi tribe (remnants of the pre-Columbian Tairona people whose marvelous golden cities were ransacked by Spanish explorers) believe that they are living in (and are the gatekeepers of) the "heart of the world." In Kogi mythology, they are the Elder Brothers who are responsible for the continuing well-being of Mother Earth. Unfortunately, the Younger Brothers (Western civilization) have followed the dictates of materialism and instant gratification, and, in the process, are doing great damage to Mother Earth. The Kogi, whose habitat encompasses virtually all climates, and an abundant variety of ecosystems (from snowy mountaintops to lush, jungle vegetation), have witnessed in recent years the changing patterns in bird migrations, the extinction of species, and the growing scarcity of snow on the mountains. Although never previously allowing a camera crew to enter their villages, they invited Ereira to record a message from the Elder Brothers to the Younger Brothers about what we are doing to our world. From the Heart of the World is a poignant, and beautifully filmed, look at a culture far different (and in many ways wiser) than our own-a "primitive" people whose concern about our ways would be almost quaint, were it not for the fact that they are deadly accurate. The Kogi's message is well worth listening to ...Mother Earth's future is at stake. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (Available from: Mystic Fire Video, 225 Lafayette St., Suite 1206, New York, NY 10012; 1-800-2929001.)