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Echoes of the Rainforest

In ‘Echoes of the Rainforest’ Dael Sassoon and Encarni Montoya, palaeoecology specialists at GEO3BCN-CSIC, join forces with Peruvian environmental researchers and indigenous communities in the Pacaya-Samiria National Park to explore the critical work of studying, protecting and conserving Amazonian ecosystems. This short documentary offers a rare insight into how palaeoecology, through the detailed analysis of pollen samples, helps to understand climate change and its role in the conservation of the Amazon. The documentary highlights the vital collaboration between international research teams, Peru's scientific community, environmental activists and indigenous communities, highlighting conservation efforts and the central role of palaeoecology in uncovering the Amazon's past to anticipate its future.

This documentary was produced for the MSCA (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions) project PALOMA, funded by the European Union. In association with GEO3BCN-CSIC Geoscience Barcelona. Supported by Craghoppers UK. Special collaboration with independent music artists Jonsjooel (So Many Ways) and Gadi Sassoon (Organico).

  • Dael Sassoon
    Director
  • Dael Sassoon
    Writer
  • Dael Sassoon
    Producer
  • Dael Sassoon
    Editor
  • Dael Sassoon
    Key Cast
  • Encarni Montoya
    Key Cast
  • Gabriel Hidalgo Pizango
    Key Cast
  • Marcos Rios
    Key Cast
  • Emilton Flores
    Key Cast
  • Olivia Bisa Tirko
    Key Cast
  • Ana Siles Diaz
    Key Cast
  • Wiler Tuesta Velasquez
    Key Cast
  • Gauder Guerra Arimuya
    Key Cast
  • Mario Guerra Sanchiva
    Key Cast
  • Guillem Zamora
    Cinematography consultant
  • Ander Dávila Díaz
    Camera assistants
  • Shabnam Ferdowsi
    Camera assistants
  • Lara Expósito Monar
    Camera assistants
  • Hannah Thacker
    Music director
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Science, environment, educational, travel
  • Runtime:
    26 minutes 28 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 13, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Spain
  • Country of Filming:
    Peru
  • Language:
    English, Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    Mixed digital: 1080p/4K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Echoes of the Rainforest premiere at the Delegacion del CSIC en Cataluña
    Barcelona
    Spain
    November 27, 2024
    Delegacion del CSIC en Cataluña
Director Biography - Dael Sassoon

Dr Dael Sassoon is a researcher and filmmaker with a passion for environmental conservation and the Amazon rainforest. Currently working at the institute of Geoscience Barcelona, Dr Sassoon combines scientific research with storytelling to raise awareness about climate change, indigenous knowledge, and the importance of preserving the rainforest. With a background in palaeoecology and experience working in both field research and multimedia production, Dr Sassoon uses their platform to amplify voices from local communities and environmental activists. Their short documentary, "Echoes of the Rainforest", reflects their dedication to blending science and advocacy to inspire action for the protection of the Amazon against climate change and exploitation.

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Director Statement

As a tropical ecologist, producing this documentary not only represented the opportunity to tell the world about my environmental research, but gave me a way to bring to light the pressing need for conservation in the Amazon, the efforts of environmental scientists and local researchers, and the invaluable role of indigenous knowledge in protecting our ecosystems. My hope is that the stories shared here will inspire viewers to see the Amazon not as a distant issue but as a global responsibility—one that requires collective action. This film is a call to recognize the urgency of preserving the rainforest for future generations and to spark conversations about how we can all contribute to its survival. I am very grateful for the support of the Instituto de Investigaciones de la Amazonía Peruana (IIAP), without which this project would not have been possible, and I particularly thank the indigenous communities of Veinte de Enero and Parinari for agreeing to host and speak to us, and for generously sharing their wisdom with us.