Photo credits: Aude Hurstel - APG Signature.
On the evening of April 19, 2025, the Opéra de Monte-Carlo became a bridge between worlds, hosting the world premiere of NAWA SIA, The Secrets of the Amazon, a profound film/documentary directed by Isabella Vieira. This historic event, coinciding with Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Brazil, was not merely a cinematic debut but a heartfelt tribute to the Amazon, its Indigenous guardians, and the late Chief ‘Bené’ of the Huni Kuin community, whose anniversary fell on the same day. Supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the premiere illuminated the urgent need to preserve the Amazon’s ecosystems and the wisdom of its peoples.
“It was a historic moment, filled with emotion,” said Isabella Vieira in her official statement following the screening. “I truly hope this film touches hearts, awakens consciousness, and paves the way for concrete actions to support the forest, Indigenous peoples, and our connection to the Earth. I made it for my cacique, the chief of my people, for the forest, for my ancestors… for all the voices that are not heard enough.”
Photo credits: Aude Hurstel - APG Signature. Isabella Vieira.
A Cinematic Offering from the Heart of the Amazon
NAWA SIA, meaning “Star of Truth” in the Huni Kuin language, is both the title of the film and the name bestowed upon Vieira by her community’s chief, reflecting her mission to illuminate the Amazon’s truths. Born into an Indigenous lineage, Vieira’s personal connection to the Amazon infuses the film with authenticity. Over months of immersive work, she captured the traditions, beliefs, and ecological challenges faced by the Huni Kuin, a people living between Brazil and Peru. The film, shot in 432 Hz—a frequency said to resonate with nature—offers a sensory journey into the “green lung of the planet.”
“The Amazon should not be a distant mirage... its preservation must be a shared responsibility,” Vieira emphasized. The film, which features Vieira herself as the main character, is a return to her roots, weaving her personal story with the broader narrative of Indigenous resilience and environmental urgency. “I saw these images in my dreams, again and again, for nearly two years,” she shared. “Capturing them was a true challenge, not just technically, but spiritually.”
The premiere’s timing was deeply symbolic, marking the anniversary of Chief ‘Bené’, who passed away just 26 days after filming. Vieira described the event as “like a heartbeat, a prayer, a call from the depths of the forest,” dedicating the film to his memory and the ancestors who preserve the Amazon’s living wisdom.
A Triumph Recognized Globally
The significance of NAWA SIA extends beyond Monaco. The film received the Luciole d'Or (Golden Firefly) in “Best Indigenous Native People’s” Film category during the event on April 19, presented on stage by Karolina Bomba, founder and president of the World Film Festival in Cannes - Remember the Future, in the presence of Isabella Vieira and her team. This accolade underscores the film’s universal resonance and its power to amplify Indigenous voices on a global arena.
Photo credits: Aude Hurstel - APG Signature.
An Immersive Experience at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo
The premiere transformed the Opéra de Monte-Carlo into a sensory portal to the Amazon. The haunting sounds of the jungle, woody scents, and dimmed lights enveloped the audience, while the facade of the Casino de Monte-Carlo glowed in the colors of the Amazon, a visual tribute to Chief ‘Bené’ and the forest’s guardians. A shaman’s presence added a layer of mysticism, guiding attendees through rituals that connected them to the Amazon’s soul.
“This film is an offering, an act of love and recognition for those who preserve the memory of the living world,” Vieira said. “Seeing this project come to life in such an iconic venue, surrounded by so many beautiful souls, was incredibly moving and deeply symbolic. And I feel, deep within, that this is only the beginning.”
Photo credits: Aude Hurstel - APG Signature.
Photo credits: Aude Hurstel - APG Signature.
A Call to Action Backed by the Prince Albert II Foundation
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s support underscores the film’s alignment with global environmental goals. Olivier Wenden, CEO and Vice-President of the Foundation, highlighted its role in their Forests and Communities initiative, launched in 2022 to promote Indigenous leadership in protecting the Amazon. “Deforestation and illegal activities are kindizing its balance,” Wenden noted. “It is essential to raise awareness of the urgency related to its preservation, which must absolutely be organized in collaboration with local communities.”
The Huni Kuin face mounting threats—deforestation, resource loss, and cultural erosion—making NAWA SIA a vital platform for their story. “The Earth speaks, and its guardians suffer in silence,” Vieira said, urging collective action to protect the Amazon’s biodiversity and its people.
Photo credits: Aude Hurstel - APG Signature.
A Universal Message in a Prestigious Setting
Monaco, a beacon of prestige and commitment, proved an ideal stage for NAWA SIA’s message. “If the call of the Amazon can be heard here, then the impact will be immense,” Vieira reflected. The film transcends storytelling, serving as a catalyst for awakening consciousness. As Wenden added, “Putting environmental messages into images and emotions allows us to better reach the general public.”
The premiere of NAWA SIA, The Secrets of the Amazon was a moment of unity, art, and urgency. It invited all present to listen to the Amazon’s whisper and act as stewards of its future. As Vieira’s words echoed through the Opéra, the message was clear: the time to protect the Amazon and its Indigenous guardians is now.