Raoni

Marlon Brando narrates this Oscar-nominated documentary which follows the struggles of the Megkronoti's, a Brazilian Indian tribe in the Amazon river basin, in their fight to maintain their land against the encroaching tree cutters of civilization. Produced and directed by Jean-Pierre Dutilleux, the program begins stateside with Brando, long a champion of Native American rights, discussing problems with Native American leaders. After this brief introduction, Raoni shifts to Brazil where we meet the Megkronoti and their leader Raoni. Much of the documentary is given over to detailing the daily lives (stunningly photographed) of the people: their hunter/gatherer society, beliefs and rituals, and division of duties among the men and the women. All of this is threatened by bulldozers which are razing the rainforest, and Raoni meets with other tribal chiefs to discuss options. The powers-that-be decide to visit the powers-that-be, in this case F.U.N.A.I. (the Bureau of Indian Affairs), and Raoni takes a trip to San Paolo--his first exposure to civilization. His observations on a world so different from his own are both interesting and intelligent. A footnote to the program relates that fighting did indeed breakout between the tribes and the developers following completion of the film. Although the story is over a decade old, the issue is more than ever at the forefront of the world's consciousness. Raoni is both an intelligent plea to the world, and the amazing story of one man--from one of the fiercest tribes in South America--and his efforts to save his people through diplomacy rather that arms. An effort that failed in the short run, but--with portions of the proceeds from this video, as well as from the director's royalties going to save the rainforest--may prevail in the long run. Highly recommended. (Available from: Mystic Fire Video, Box 1092, Cooper Station, New York, NY 10276.)