Jaguar People (Tigre Gente) is a compelling documentary that sheds light on the alarming rise of the illegal jaguar trade in South America. Set primarily in Bolivia's Madidi National Park, known for its rich biodiversity, the film follows the park’s determined director as he embarks on a mission to halt the illicit trade that threatens to eradicate the jaguar population. Jaguars are being hunted and trafficked at alarming rates to meet a growing demand in China, where they are used as substitutes for tiger parts in traditional medicine.
The documentary also highlights the efforts of two brave individuals—a Bolivian park ranger and a young journalist from Hong Kong—who risk their lives to go undercover and expose the dangerous network fueling this trade. Their journey takes them from the dense, mist-covered jungles of the Amazon to the bustling wildlife markets of China.
As they work to stop the jaguar trade before it’s too late, the film delves into deeper questions of empathy, responsibility, and the need for cultural understanding in global conservation efforts. Jaguar People has garnered recognition at multiple international film festivals, emphasizing its significance in raising awareness about this urgent environmental issue.
Slow and mysterious, Jaguar People uses some true-crime-esque styling to draw the viewer’s attention. This pacing does drag on a bit after a while. Sometimes Jaguar People feels like forty-five minutes of content stretched over an hour and a half.
Where the documentary itself is intriguing, and the actual investigation is enlightening to watch, there are some issues with the stated solutions that will make the ecologically minded sigh in disapproval. As we have learned from African conservationists, simply passing laws does nothing to protect wildlife: Improving the conditions of those desperate enough to take part in this vile trade ends the trade.
For an introductory film on the illicit animal parts trade or for those who enjoy investigative documentaries, Jaguar People has plenty to offer. Those managing public library collections should consider this documentary more highly than those running college libraries. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
Jaguar People belongs in sections dedicated to ecology, wildlife conservation, and animal rights. Its focus on the illegal trade of jaguars and the broader impact on biodiversity makes it a perfect fit for collections that highlight environmental issues. Public libraries should categorize it under documentary films that address wildlife protection, endangered species, and the intersection of human activities and the natural world.
Given its relevance to global conservation efforts, it could also be cross-referenced with subjects like international law, environmental crime, and South American studies. By placing Jaguar People alongside other films that explore human-driven environmental challenges, libraries can help patrons discover a range of resources addressing the complex relationship between wildlife trafficking, cultural practices, and global environmental policy.
What kind of film programming series could use this title?
Jaguar People would be an excellent addition to a film series focusing on wildlife conservation, animal rights, or environmental activism. It could also play a central role in programs that address global illegal trade networks or international environmental law. The film’s blend of investigative journalism and ecological advocacy makes it ideal for an educational series that explores how wildlife poaching and trafficking have global ramifications.
Additionally, it could be part of a series dedicated to exploring the impact of cultural and economic factors on wildlife trafficking, offering a critical perspective on the complex motivations behind these illegal activities. Whether included in an Earth Day program, an environmental justice film series, or a broader exploration of international crime, Jaguar People can engage diverse audiences interested in both wildlife conservation and global investigative reporting.
Click here to purchase Jaguar People from Green Planet Films
DVD for Universities, Colleges, and Community Screenings: $295
(Includes Public Performance Rights)
DVD for Public Libraries and K-12 Schools: $49
(Circulation only)
Digital File (Life-of-File MP4): $400
DVD + Life-of-File MP4: $450
(Includes Public Performance Rights)
Director's Bio
ELIZABETH UNGER — Director & Producer
Elizabeth Unger is a National Geographic Explorer and filmmaker whose work has been featured in National Geographic Magazine. A passion for wildlife and cuisine has led Elizabeth across seven continents, steeping her in rich anthropological experiences that have shaped her into the storyteller she is today. After acquiring a B.S. in Biology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington,
Elizabeth worked as a PhD research assistant for big cat and primate projects in Latin America. Her photojournalism and videography work has been showcased in National Geographic Magazine digital and NG Travel. Elizabeth was selected as one of five North American Regional Finalists for the prestigious UN Young Champion of the Earth Prize and is a two-time Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program Grantee for her feature debut, Tigre Gente.