Featuring footage from 2015 through 2023, and covering transgressions from as far back as the mid 1990s, In the Land of Palm Oil details the unfortunately more common than not story of powerful economic entities pushing aside anyone - and anything - in their way in the name of profit.
The Goliath of this expository documentary are anonymous corporations who destroy the native environments of Indonesia in order to repurpose the land for palm oil plantations. The David are local villagers and farmers, specifically from Kalimantan on the island of Borneo, who not only have their land stolen in certain instances, but who are also subject to harmful and devastating conditions because of pollution caused by fires that are used to clear the land.
Structurally, this 77-minute, Eyes of the World production from director Denise Dragienwicz uses handheld footage and first-person accounts to paint a broad picture of the devastation that is caused by palm oil plantations. Whether it's interviews with everyday citizens, or conversations with animal activists who care for the depleted orangutan population who have been displaced by the land clearing, footage of fellow activities, or insights from experts as to why the local land is susceptible to fires, the film touches on many sides of the issue to create a compelling picture for viewers. Though, one side that is not presented, or attempted to be presented, is comments from the palm oil corporations themselves. While this is a small element missing from the film, it’s noted as not an easy puzzle piece to obtain given the anonymous nature in which these corporations conducted business under relatively friendly relations with the local government.
One of the more interesting elements of In the Land of Palm Oil is the development of its narrator and Dayak journalist Emmanuel Shinta. Equipped with a camera, personal conviction, and a muckraking spirit, Shinta early on is at times nervous and reserved, but by the end of the film is an international advocate for her country, acting as CEO of the Run Well Foundation which she uses as a platform to speak at conferences in places like Germany, Japan, and Sweden in order to bring awareness to the human rights and environmental violations caused by palm oil plantations in Indonesia.
This is a solid documentary for educators who teach with film, as well as a strong resource for environmental and human rights advocates. It’s available for purchase by visiting www.inthelandofpalmoil.org.
How can In the Land of Palm Oil be integrated into public libraries’ collection development?
In the Land of Palm Oil can be integrated into public libraries’ collection development as part of a collection on environmental issues, human rights, and corporate accountability. This documentary offers valuable insights into the environmental destruction caused by palm oil plantations, making it a key resource for libraries focusing on sustainability, global food systems, and social justice. It would fit well in educational and advocacy-based collections, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the environmental and human costs of industrial agriculture.
What college courses and majors could benefit from using In the Land of Palm Oil?
In the Land of Palm Oil would benefit students in various fields, including:
- Environmental Science: The documentary provides a firsthand look at the environmental devastation caused by palm oil plantations, making it ideal for courses on land use, deforestation, and sustainability.
- Human Rights: The film explores the social and cultural consequences of corporate greed on local communities, making it relevant for courses focusing on global human rights and social justice.
- International Relations and Development Studies: The documentary sheds light on the economic and political dynamics between corporations and governments, making it a valuable resource for students studying global trade, development, and corporate influence.
- Journalism and Media Studies: Given the role of Emmanuel Shinta as a journalist and advocate, the film can be used in courses exploring investigative journalism, storytelling, and activism through media.
How could Parks and Recreation programs use In the Land of Palm Oil in their educational initiatives?
Parks and Recreation programs can use In the Land of Palm Oil to educate local communities about the environmental impact of palm oil production and the importance of sustainability. The film could be incorporated into environmental awareness events, sustainable living workshops, or educational programs focused on global environmental challenges. Post-screening discussions could focus on how individuals and communities can contribute to sustainable practices, as well as advocate for policy changes to protect vulnerable environments and populations.
How could In the Land of Palm Oil enhance special events on college campuses?
In the Land of Palm Oil would be an impactful addition to special events on college campuses, such as sustainability conferences, environmental awareness weeks, or global human rights forums. The documentary’s exploration of palm oil's devastating impact on the environment and local communities makes it a compelling centerpiece for discussions on corporate responsibility, environmental activism, and ethical consumerism. Panel discussions could follow the screening, with guest speakers such as environmental activists, experts in sustainable agriculture, or representatives from NGOs working to address the palm oil crisis.
Why is In the Land of Palm Oil a strong candidate for movie licensing?
In the Land of Palm Oil is a strong candidate for movie licensing because of its timely and urgent subject matter that addresses global environmental and human rights issues. Its focus on the destructive effects of palm oil plantations in Indonesia, combined with its powerful firsthand accounts, makes it highly relevant to audiences interested in sustainability, environmental justice, and social change. Licensing this documentary for educational and public screenings provides an excellent opportunity to raise awareness, encourage action, and inspire further advocacy on these critical global issues. The film is particularly well-suited for use in classrooms, community screenings, and by organizations focused on environmental and human rights work.
How can In the Land of Palm Oil be purchased for educational use?
In the Land of Palm Oil offers several purchase and rental options for educational institutions, libraries, and other organizations:
- 77-minute feature film:
- $9.99 for a three-day rental.
- $69 for unlimited streaming/download file with an educational license.
- $125 for a DVD for Colleges and Universities.
- $75 for a DVD for K-12 and public libraries.
- 60-minute cut:
- $29.99 for a 14-day rental.
- $59.99 for unlimited streaming/download file with an educational license.
These options make it easy for schools, libraries, and other educational institutions to incorporate the film into their curriculum and programs.
➡️ For more details, click here on the educational sales page.
➡️Click here to access the In the Land of Palm Oil study guide
Director's Bio
Denise Dragiewicz directs films about the ambitions and challenges of rainforest conservation efforts. Her most recent project, In the Land of Palm Oil (2024), follows aspiring Dayak journalist, Emmanuela Shinta, as she fights for environmental justice in her homeland of Indonesian Borneo amid the massive palm oil expansion in the region. In addition to two other recent films about deforestation in Indonesia, The Burning of Borneo’s Peat Swamp Forest (2017) and Fire Beneath Her (2024), she has also directed films in Mozambique (Ndzou Camp 2014), Madagascar (Andasibe 2016), and Ecuador (Chocolate in the Jungle 2015) about the plight of conservation activities in natural areas that are struggling to survive.
Director's Statement
In 2015, from August to October, the sky was dark. It was so dark with yellow air because of the toxic gas. Everyone was starved of oxygen. There was no way to breathe freely and eyes were barely open. There was nowhere to hide.' – Emmanuela Shinta
In the Land of Palm Oil is a character-driven documentary about a young indigenous journalist navigating the politics of a country that has robbed its people of their basic right to live freely. As she attempts to hold accountable the leadership of her provincial government, we witness her maturing in her own right as a young woman who dares to leave behind her traditional village to become a tour de force on the stage of international climate activism. The story presents the seemingly impossible to overcome obstacle of a corrupt governing body enforcing the immoral act of land confiscation. The intense environmental pollution generated by the palm oil plantations only furthers the despair felt by the villagers. Together these issues present a world torn apart by greed and environmental turmoil.
Nevertheless, the dreary tone of the film is offset by Shinta’s youth and determination, leading to a sense that the climate challenges of the modern world, though seemingly unconquerable, might yet be brought into balance, driven by the will of a resolute generation of young activists. Though tragedy drives the film’s most energized narrative arc, sub-arcs detailing Shinta’s determination to engage global audiences in the heartbreaking story of her own people, create a more optimistic tone. Hope, therefore, is the thread that holds the narrative together. Instead of feeling defeated, the audience is left more with a self-awareness of their own responsibility to participate in both local and global movements that can thwart what is presented as injustice.
Awards
- Green Montenegro Film Festival, Montenegro (3rd Place Winner)
- Ecocine International Environmental and Human Rights Film Festival, Brazil (Best Human Rights Feature)
- Joutseno Art Summer International Film Festival, Finland (Best Feature in the category of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12)
- Berlin Indie Film Festival, Germany (Best Green and Environmental Film)
- Sicilian Film Awards, Madonie Film Festival, Italy (Best Environment and Climate Feature)
- Berlin Kiez Film Festival, Germany (Best Environment and Climate Feature)
- Manheim Arts and Film Festival, Germany (Winner, Best Environment and Climate Feature)
Film Festivals and Special Screenings
- Green Montenegro Film Festival
- Global Peace Film Festival
- Ecocine International Environmental and Human Rights Film Festival, Brazil
- Joutseno Art Summer International Film Festival, Finland
- Ely Film Festival, US
- University of Michigan, Dearborn, Special Screening
- Berlin Indie Film Festival
- Sicilian Film Awards, Madonie Film Festival, Italy
- Berlin Kiez Film Festival
- Manheim Arts and Film Festival, Germany
Social Media
- Facebook: @denisedragiewicz, @eyesoftheworldfilms
- Twitter: @EyesWorldFilms
- Instagram: @dragiewicz
- LinkedIn: Denise Dragiewicz LinkedIn (click to visit)
- YouTube: @EyesoftheWorldFilms